Our annual Strength in the Face of Adversity Luncheon celebrates the incredible work being done by Judi’s House/JAG Institute in support of grieving children and families. We are grateful to our friends and partners for making our work possible year over year.

Continued financial support is vital to advancing our Comprehensive Grief Care® to children and families in need. We routinely raise over $700,000 through sponsorships and day-of donations. These gifts make it possible for as many as 375 children and 120 families to benefit from our Pathfinders grief counseling program.

One Team in Supporting Grieving Families

Wednesday, April 29, 2026 | 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Seawell Grand Ballroom at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts
1350 Arapahoe Street, Denver, CO

When it comes to supporting grieving children and families, we’re all on the same team.

This year’s luncheon brings our community together around one powerful message: Grief Knows No Team. Regardless of background, beliefs, or teams we root for, grief touches every life—and compassion unites us. Your support helps ensure families navigating loss receive free comprehensive grief care when they need it most.

We are honored to welcome Solomon Thomas, NFL Defensive Tackle for The Tennessee Titans and co‑founder of The Defensive Line, as our featured speaker and recipient of the Strength in the Face of Adversity Award. After experiencing the loss of his sister, Solomon transformed personal grief into purpose, becoming a leading voice for mental health awareness and healing. His story reflects the strength, resilience, and unity that define this event and the families we serve.

Why Attend?
🎉Celebrate the impact of our Comprehensive Grief Care Model
💛Hear powerful stories of healing and hope
🏈Enjoy a spirited atmosphere
🫂Show that, when it comes to grief, we are One Team

Join the team that’s tackling grief together!

Become a Sponsor

Purchase Tickets

2026 Featured Speaker
Solomon Thomas

Solomon’s journey is one of courage, vulnerability, and purpose forged through profound loss. His world was forever changed by the death of his beloved sister, Ella—a devastating loss that reshaped his understanding of life, love, and resilience. Drawing from that experience, Solomon often shares, “You don’t escape grief. Grief never leaves you. The more you try to run away from it, the bigger it gets.” [people.com] In choosing to face his grief openly, Solomon found deeper compassion for others navigating similar loss.

With the support of family, teammates, and community, Solomon learned that healing is not about forgetting, but about honoring the love that remains. His story reflects the heart of Judi’s House’s mission—ensuring no child or family has to grieve alone—and powerfully reinforces this year’s luncheon theme, Grief Knows No Team. Through his advocacy and as co‑founder of The Defensive Line, Solomon continues to transform pain into purpose, breaking stigma around mental health and creating spaces where healing and hope can take root.