People & Business

Jennifer Holliday to Headline Sunshine From Darkness Fundraiser

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August 10, 2022 – Sarasota

Sunshine From Darkness, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the funding of local mental health and addiction services and programs and mental health research, has announced its annual fundraising dinner on Friday, January 13, 2023 at the Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota.

This year’s Inspiring Hope Dinner, themed “Shining a Light on Mental Illness,” will feature Grammy, Drama Desk and Tony Award-winning actress and singer Jennifer Holliday. The original star of “Dreamgirls” will perform at the event, and will also share the story of her own struggles with depression and multiple sclerosis.

Proceeds from the dinner will benefit the local mental health services of Harvest House and Teen Court of Sarasota as well as the cutting-edge research funded by the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation.

The event will begin with a VIP sponsor cocktail hour at 6:30 p.m., followed by the dinner program for all guests at 7:30 p.m. Event chair is Amie Austin, Ph.D., and event committee chairs are Sarah Karp and Taylor Karp Teymuri.

In addition to Holliday, this year’s dinner will feature dancing to the music of Quintessence, and a performance by the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe Young Artists Ensemble. During the festivities, the Lee and Bob Peterson Legacy Award will be presented to Joan and Bob Geyer of the Academy at Glengary.

Sunshine from Darkness President Jeffrey Peterson noted that he is, once again, grateful for the community’s support and recognition of the important work being done by organizations such as Harvest House, Teen Court of Sarasota and The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation.

“We are so grateful to have a star of Jennifer Holliday’s caliber to help us shed light on the importance of the work we do to make a difference in the lives of those battling mental illness and addiction disorders,” Peterson said. “Her story of dealing with depression will inspire our guests; by sharing personal stories publicly, it reduces the stigma associated with mental illness for all who are suffering.”

Jennifer Holiday is an iconic American actress and singer. She started her career on Broadway in musicals such as “Dreamgirls” and “Your Arms Too Short to Box with God.” She later became a successful recording artist, best known for her debut single, a rhythm-and-blues number from “Dreamgirls,” “And I am Telling You I’m Not Going,” for which she won a Grammy in 1983. She also won the 1982 Tony Award for her star turn in “Dreamgirls.”

The sold-out 2021 Inspiring Hope Dinner raised more than $170,000 to benefit local mental health and addiction programs and research funded by The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation. Organizers hope to raise $250,000 through the 2023 dinner.

Tickets are $325; numerous sponsorships are available. For more information, contact Marlene Hauck (941-504-6717 or marlene@sunshinefromdarkness.org) or visit sunshinefromdarkness.org.

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