Steve Gross, founder and chief playmaker of the Life is Good Kids Foundation, will still kick off  The Avielle Foundation's 2018 Brainstorm Experience Series.Nick@AvielleFoundation.org.Nightline anchor and author of 10% Happier and Meditation for Fidgety Skeptics;The New York Times bestseller Queen Bees & Wannabes, the inspiration for the movie Mean Girls;The Body Keeps the Score; andSuzy.Deyoung@aviellefoundation.org.aviellefoundation.org.

Mr Gross was scheduled to speak in Newtown on January 4. The opening night of the series was postponed, however, when a Nor'easter moved through the region on Thursday. On January 5, The Avielle Foundation announced the new date of Mr Gross's presentation will be Thursday, February 1. Doors will open at 6:30, and the presentation will begin at 7 pm.

Tickets from the original date will be honored next month.

Those who need refunds are being asked to contact the foundation by Thursday, January 11. Most who purchased tickets should be receiving a direct email with instructions on requesting a refund. Anyone who has not received an email, or with additional questions, is invited to call 203-241-5634 or send email to

The yearlong Brainstorm Experience series will feature thought leaders, advocates, and celebrities from across society who offer unique perspectives on the care, science, strength, and vulnerability of the brain.

Mr Gross believes it is often the people who have faced the greatest challenges that gain an elevated sense of gratitude for life. He plans to fill Edmond Town Hall with his message: "How Joy and Optimism Ignite the Best in All of Us."

Mr Goss is a leader in the field of psychological trauma response and a pioneer in utilizing playful engagement and meaningful relationships to overcome the devastating impact of early childhood trauma. He welcomed the Newtown Public School staff at a convocation last August, and there was interest in bringing him back so his message to be heard by the entire community.

This first segment in the Avielle Foundation Brainstorm Experience Series promises to stimulate playfulness and leave attendees with motivation to consider joining the ranks of Life is Good Playmakers across the globe.

Mr Gross's talents have been called upon to respond to some of the most significant catastrophes of our time, including the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina and earthquakes in Haiti and Japan. At the heart of his work, he helps others discover the power of optimism so that they can build resilience and bring greater joy, connection, courage, and creativity to their lives.

Other planned 2018 Brainstorm Experiences include (locations and other details TBA):

Wednesday, April 11: Dan Harris, ABC News correspondent, 

Tuesday, May 15: Rosalind Wiseman, author of 

Tuesday, June 19: Jane Pauley, CBS News, " Living with Bipolar Disorder";

Friday, August 24: Bessel van der Kolk, MD, trauma expert, author of 

Saturday, August 25: the 6th Annual Newtown Yoga Fest.

Several more experiences will be announced in the near future.

The Brainstorm Experience is a yearlong series aiming to bring the Newtown community together in a stimulating and engaging environment where learning, connection, and inspiration provoke the imagination. These experiences will enhance understanding of the strengths and vulnerabilities of the brain.

For information on the Brainstorm Experience contact 

Tickets are $15 for the individual show, $200 for the series. Purchase tickets at 

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