The 4th Annual VETS Torchbearer Ball to End Veteran Suicide will take place on November 15, 2025, at the world-renowned Hotel del Coronado in San Diego, California.
We are honored to announce that this year’s event is in celebration of the Netflix premiere of In Waves and War, a documentary produced in partnership with Actual Films, Participant, Studio AKA, VETS and the Stanford Brain Stimulation Lab.
This unforgettable fundraiser showcases the healing journeys at the heart of our mission to END veteran suicide and will be an elegant, purpose-driven gathering uniting supporters, veterans, and changemakers—bringing to life the experience of a lifetime through inspiration, impact, and celebration.
Your participation is critical to helping us provide Foundational Healing Grant opportunities to veterans, their spouses, and Gold Star spouses.
If you or your company are interested in sponsoring this event, please contact us at events@vetsolutions.org
In Waves and War is a documentary that follows three former Navy SEALs, including VETS Co-Founder, Marcus Capone, as they navigate the challenges of post-combat life, discover the transformative power of psychedelic-assisted therapy, and embark on a mission to bring healing to the veteran community. The film’s powerful message sheds light on the critical issue of veteran suicide and the promising potential of new approaches to veteran healthcare.
Learn about the Film
Saturday, November 15, 2025
Early Bird Registration 5:00PM
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Welcome Reception, Southpointe Lawn
Doors Open 6:30 PM
7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Dinner Program and Live Auction
Torchbearer Ball, Southpointe Ballroom
Until 1:00 AM
After Party, The Laundry
Hotel Del Coronado
1500 Orange Avenue, Coronado, CA 92118
A Black Tie Event
For hotel reservations: plan your stay, or call 619 435-6611 and use the group code VETS
RSVP for Torchbearer Ball
2000 2nd St, Coronado, CA 92118
(619) 435-3000
4000 Coronado Bay Rd, Coronado, CA 92118
(619) 424-4000
"I think the veteran community is going to be the wedge that ultimately - if not ends, but certainly massively reduces suicide, depression, and PTSD in the general population. First and foremost, you take care of the veteran community."
"Thank you. From the deepest place in my soul, for guiding me to this path. I would not be here were it not for the enormous sacrifice you’ve both made to carry the light to sufferers like me."
"Not only have you all saved my marriage, but you have been a CONSTANT support, week by week, for years-that has changed my life. NO OTHER ORGANIZATION provides ongoing family support like VETS. I’m constantly astounded at your unique, unparalleled, unwavering outreach. VETS is leading the way for the future."
"The thing about the mental health crisis in the U.S. is they don’t have rapid treatments. These results are dramatic! Nobody has seen a drug do this in the brain... Let’s change the world!"
As we bestow these prestigious awards to Bonnie Cohen and Jon Shenk, — the directors of the Netflix documentary In Waves and War, we celebrate not only their extraordinary artistry but also their remarkable courage in telling stories that matter. Through their lens, they have illuminated the struggles and triumphs of the veteran community, giving voice to experiences often left unheard.
Their passion, expertise, and relentless pursuit of excellence have created a body of work that educates, inspires, and drives meaningful change. By bringing In Waves and War to a global audience on Netflix, they have amplified a message of hope and healing that resonates far beyond the screen, inspiring us to continue our mission to end veteran suicide through psychedelic-assisted therapy and reminding the world that healing, resilience, and transformation are always possible.
Bonni Cohen has produced and directed an array of award-winning documentaries. Alongside THE WHITE HOUSE EFFECT she co-directed IN WAVES AND WAR, both of which premiered at the 2024 Telluride Film Festival and will have their Netflix premiere in the Fall of 2025. In 2021, she produced the Oscar-nominated film LEAD ME HOME (Netflix). Bonni has previously co-directed films including the Emmy-winning ATHLETE A, AN INCONVENIENT SEQUEL: TRUTH TO POWER, and AUDRIE & DAISY.
Jon Shenk is an Emmy-winning and Oscar-nominated director who recently co-directed THE WHITE HOUSE EFFECT and IN WAVES AND WAR (2024, Telluride). His credits include LEAD ME HOME (2021, Netflix), ATHLETE A (2020, Netflix), AN INCONVENIENT SEQUEL: TRUTH TO POWER (2017, Paramount), AUDRIE & DAISY (2016, Netflix), THE ISLAND PRESIDENT (Samuel Goldwyn/PBS), and LOST BOYS OF SUDAN (2004 PBS/POV).
Consider Making a Donation Now
Sign up below and we'll send you information on how you can get involved!
Sign up for 2026 Torchbearer Ball