"Five years ago, we planted a seed. Tonight, we cross the bridge together."
DATE
Thursday, September 10, 2026
LOCATION
Highland Brewing Event Center, Asheville NC
RECEPTION
Doors Open at 6:30 PM
The Gathering of the Pearl 2026 brings together pioneers, researchers, clinicians, policymakers, storytellers, and artists helping shape the future of psychedelic medicine and mental healthcare. Together they embody this year's theme, Building Bridges to the Future.
Building Bridges
to the Future
Celebrating Our Golden Year
Five years of healing · community · building bridges
$26,624 raised
Goal: $100,000
Five years of building something real
What started as a vision in the mountains of Western North Carolina has grown into a living community of healers, researchers, veterans, and advocates. On September 10, we celebrate five golden years — and look ahead to what we'll build together next.
Research and real-world care
Innovation and accessibility
Veterans and life-changing treatment
Rural communities and specialized services
Education and workforce development
Today's challenges and tomorrow's possibilities
"We leave this Gathering feeling renewed, connected, and more committed than ever to the work of collective healing."
5
YEARS OF GATHERINGS
1
VA CARE AGREEMENT
4
YEARS SINCE CLINIC ESTABLISHED
∞
BRIDGES BUILT
Honorees
Dr. Michael Mithoefer
Dr. Michael Mithoefer is a psychiatrist based in Asheville, North Carolina, and one of the pioneering researchers in MDMA-assisted psychotherapy. Together with Annie Mithoefer, he conducted the first U.S. Phase 2 MDMA-assisted psychotherapy trial for PTSD and has devoted decades to advancing trauma treatment, therapist training, and psychedelic medicine research.
Annie Mithoefer, BSN
Annie Mithoefer is a registered nurse, therapist trainer, and internationally recognized pioneer in MDMA-assisted psychotherapy. She has co-led landmark clinical trials and therapist training efforts and is known for her compassionate, embodied approach to
trauma healing.
Featured Speakers
Tom Shroder
Tom Shroder is an award-winning journalist, author, and former editor of The Washington Post Magazine. His book Acid Test helped introduce many readers to the modern psychedelic renaissance.
Rick Doblin, Ph.D.
Rick Doblin, Ph.D., is the Founder and President of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS). He received his doctorate in Public Policy from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, where he wrote his dissertation on the regulation of the medical uses of psychedelics and marijuana and his Master’s thesis on a survey of oncologists about smoked marijuana vs. the oral THC pill in nausea control for cancer patients.
W. Bryan Hubbard
Bryan Hubbard is CEO of Americans for Ibogaine and a nationally recognized leader in mental health policy, addiction recovery, and psychedelic medicine.
AJ Dahiya
AJ Dahiya is a spiritual activist and a philanthropic thought leader with nearly a decade of monastic service.
AJ is committed to challenging the status quo of philanthropy by encouraging grantmaking at the individual level, to ensuring that grantmaking is more equitable and accessible to grassroots leaders, and to creating a kinder, more compassionate world through service.
Hailey Gilmore, MPH
Hailey Gilmore is a clinical development leader with more than 17 years of experience in global biopharmaceutical research, public health, and psychedelic medicine. She currently serves as a Clinical Development Liaison for AtaiBeckley, advancing innovative mental health treatments.
Zane Bader
Zane Bader is a communications leader dedicated to advancing evidence-based education and public understanding of psychedelic medicine through science communication and advocacy.
Wende Reynolds
Wende Reynolds Wende Reynolds, LPC, a native of the Carolinas, currently Salt Lake City-based psychedelic researcher who has been a Licensed Professional Counselor since 2000. Currently, she leads facilitator teams in clinical trials exploring molecules such as psilocybin, LSD, methylone and DMT. A founding member of the International Alliance of Psychedelic Therapy Practitioners, Wende is deeply committed to the mature, humble and ethical delivery of psychedelic-assisted therapies and the expansion of treatment accessibility for those in need.
.png)
An Evening at the Gathering
Cocktails & Connection
An evening reception with passed hors d'oeuvres, signature cocktails, and the chance to reconnect with the Pearl community.
Live Auction
Bid on once-in-a-lifetime experiences and artisan pieces, with proceeds supporting scholarships and veteran care access.
Golden Year Tribute
A special program honoring five years of healing work, with stories from clients, clinicians, and founding partners.
Live Music
An evening of celebration with live music carrying us from dinner through dancing under the mountain sky.
Featured Speakers
Voices from research, clinical care, and the veteran community share where the work is headed next.
Fund-a-Need
A direct opportunity to fund treatment access for veterans, first responders, and underserved community members.
Musical Guests
Will Franke
Award-winning guitarist, violinist, composer, and producer Will Franke will perform during the rooftop reception, welcoming guests with an intimate performance blending folk, jazz, classical, Americana, and improvisation.
New Dawn Starkestra
New Dawn Starkestra is a dynamic collective of acclaimed Western North Carolina musicians known for unforgettable performances blending soul, jazz, rock, funk, Americana, and improvisation. Note: lineup may vary slightly from the photo.
How the Night Unfolds
5:00 PM
6:30 PM
7:45 PM
7:55 PM
9:30 PM
10:00 PM
10:15 PM
10:30 PM
Founders & Future Builders Reception
Sponsors, board, speakers, and invited guests · Highland Brewing
Doors Open
General admission begins — cocktails, silent auction opens, live music begins
Opening Remarks & Welcome
Raymond and Kim Turpin, Co-Founders
Speakers, Golden Year Tribute & Program
Featured presentations, special tributes, community moments
Celebration & Live Music
Dancing, connection, community
Silent Auction Closes
Last Call
Event Concludes
Founders & Future Builders Reception
A private gathering ahead of the main event for those who have helped build the bridge — sponsors, board members, speakers, and invited guests.
Sponsors
Board of Directors
Speakers & Presenters
Invited Guests
Become a Bridge Builder
Bridge Builder
1 available
MONTHLY
$1,250/mo x 12
QUARTERLY
$3,750 x 4
$15,000
BIANNUAL
$7,500 x 2
Future Builder
1 available
MONTHLY
$834/mo x 12
QUARTERLY
$2,500 x 4
$10,000
BIANNUAL
$5,000 x 2
Community Impact
2 total - 1 available
MONTHLY
$417/mo x 12
QUARTERLY
$1,250 x 4
$5,000
BIANNUAL
$2,500 x 2
Bridge Sponsor
5 total - 0 available
MONTHLY
$209/mo x 12
QUARTERLY
$625 x 4
$2,500
BIANNUAL
$1,250 x 2
Friend of the Pearl
20 total - 7 available
MONTHLY
$84/mo x 12
QUARTERLY
$250 x 4
$1,000
BIANNUAL
$500 x 2
To arrange installment payments, contact Kim Turpin
kturpin@pearlpsychedelicinstitute.org
828-507-1421
Moments from the Journey
2026 Symposium Recap
Five Years of Impact
Veteran Care
Direct treatment access for veterans through our Care Agreement with the Asheville VA.
Research
IRB-approved research conducted in partnership with MAPS and Compass Pathways.
Rural Access
Specialized psychedelic-assisted care brought to Western North Carolina communities.
Treatment Scholarships
Funded care for clients who could not otherwise access this work.
Workforce Development
Training the next generation of clinicians in this emerging field.
Community Building
Five years of Gatherings bringing together healers, researchers, and advocates.