Emma Stone hosts virtual dance party to raise money for children's mental health amid COVID-19

The actress took part in the dance party to benefit the Child Mind Institute.

April 27, 2020, 2:24 PM

Emma Stone is helping raise funds for children affected by the COVID-19 crisis in the best way possible -- with a virtual dance party.

The actress joined forces with choreographer Ryan Heffington to support the Child Mind Institute, a non-profit organization that provides support for children with mental health struggles and learning disorders.

"Big thank you to @childmindinstitute board member Emma Stone, and @ryan.heffington for taking over our Instagram Live this afternoon with #SWEATFEST," the organization wrote on Instagram.

"They're helping raise funds to enable us to support groups, provide telehealth and create online resources for children and their families, who need extra support during COVID-19," their message continued.

As a board member for the organization, Stone has spoken about the importance of prioritizing mental health and previously opened up on her experiences with anxiety and panic attacks.

"I believe the people who have anxiety and depression are very, very sensitive and very, very smart," the actress said during a videotaped conversation with Dr. Harold S. Koplewicz at the Child Mind Institute in 2018.

"Because the world is hard and scary and there's a lot that goes on and if you’re very attuned to it, it can be crippling," she continued. "But if you don't let it cripple you and use it for something productive, it's like a superpower."

She also shared a positive message to those who have also struggled with anxiety.

"You don't have to be actor to overcome anxiety, you don't have to be a writer to overcome it," she said. "You just have to find that thing within you that you are drawn to."