A message of hope filled the American Museum of Natural History at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s 19th Lifesavers Dinner, which raised a record $825,000.

The beautiful Brooke Shields (whose ’do was done by celeb hair designer Rodolfo Valentin) served as host, with Geno Germano of Wyeth Pharmaceuticals as chair. More than 550 glittering guests were on hand to honor researchers Dr. J. Raymond DePaulo Jr. and Dr. David Shaffer. Also honored with a special tribute award were the foundation’s founders, who were all personally affected by suicide: Norman Brickell (whose son Rick accepted the award on his behalf), Mariette Hartley, Karen Dunne-Maxim, and Dr. Sherwin and Claire Kaufman.

Shawn Colvin closed the evening with a moving acoustic performance. In 2004, the singer began to speak publicly about her 20-year battle with a major depressive disorder; during her emotional presentation she confessed to the audience, “I was diagnosed with depression at 19, and it was a hideous thing to be so uninformed and alone and in the dark…. And of course that has changed.”

Other VIP guests included former NJ Gov. Richard Codey, Michelle Ray Smith, Linda Dano, and Jim Florentine.

Bravo to all the lifesavers involved!