Members of the Neal and Sherrie Savage Family join the Huntsman family and the Huntsman Mental Health Institute’s youth mental health work by making the family’s largest gift ever.
Salt Lake City – December 3, 2025 – Gregg Savage, Melissa Layton, and Emilee Savage Wright today confirmed that on behalf of their late parents, Neal and Sherrie Savage, a donation in the amount of $10 million is being made to the Huntsman Mental Health Foundation, which raises funds and awareness for the Huntsman Mental Health Institute at the University of Utah, to support youth mental health programs and services.
“With this gift we want to help as many youth in Utah as possible with their mental health,” said Gregg Savage. “We also hope the gift motivates the Utah legislature to match or exceed the $10 million we are donating for the children of Utah.”
Neal Savage was a co-founder of the Savage family of companies, and an alumnus of the University of Utah where he played basketball for the Runnin’ Utes and was the drum major of the marching band. Sherrie and Neal both volunteered in the community and were always looking for ways to give back.
“Our parents left a legacy of generosity and giving,” said Gregg Savage. “We hope to continue that legacy through helping the next generation overcome the mental health challenges local families are facing today. We appreciate the Huntsman family’s leadership in this area and the opportunity to partner with them in this effort.”
Nationally, a concerning number of youth are struggling with mental health. The National Alliance on Mental Illness found that one in six adolescents experience a major depressive episode each year, which translates to 62,000 children and teenagers in Utah struggling with depression. In Utah, 44,000 adolescents have serious suicidal thoughts and suicide remains the leading cause of death for Utah youth ages 10-17.
The Savage family has seen first-hand how children’s mental health concerns can affect an entire family and are focused on helping ensure youth have access to care and services. Gregg’s son, Ammon, experienced significant mental health challenges and has openly shared more about his experience in a recent documentary.
The family’s gift will help Huntsman Mental Health Institute broaden access to youth mental health care, programs and resources in the coming years. The Savage family members along with Huntsman Mental Health Foundation and Huntsman Mental Health Insitute officials will share more specifics on the funds’ use in the coming months.
FRONT ROW: Siblings Melissa Layton, Gregg Savage, and Emilee Savage Wright sign letters of intent for their $10 million gift
“From one family to another, we want the Savages to know just how much their gift means to families in Utah who are desperate for more options when their children are struggling,” said Christena Huntsman Durham, CEO, Huntsman Mental Health Foundation. “Their support will help more of our youth in Utah get the help they need, and we are so grateful to have them join us in this effort.”
Utah plays a nationally leading role in addressing youth mental health challenges because of the work of the Huntsman Mental Health Institute. Some of the youth-focused mental health programs, services, and partnerships at Huntsman Mental Health Institute include:
- Outpatient clinics;
- SafeUT app available to all students, parents, and teachers in Utah;
- Day Treatment;
- Youth Crisis Care Program; and
- Youth Residential Treatment
Those interested in contributing to this effort can contact info@hmhf.org to learn more.
BACK ROW: Emily Layton, Tammy Savage, Clarissa Savage, Shane Wright
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About Huntsman Mental Health Foundation
Huntsman Mental Health Foundation supports Huntsman Mental Health Institute and its mission to transform mental health care through community, research, clinical, and education initiatives. Huntsman Mental Health Foundation is working toward a world where mental wellness is accessible to all and where funding is not an obstacle on the path to well-being by leveraging the power of philanthropic support to break down the barriers that hinder mental wellness, both regionally and nationally. Learn more at: hmhf.org and join the conversation on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.
