Sunshine From Darkness Awards Funds for Local Mental Health

August 7, 2023 – Sarasota

In January of 2023, Sunshine From Darkness – a nonprofit organization dedicated to the funding of local mental health and addiction services and programs, and mental health research – held its annual Inspiring Hope Dinner at the Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota; over 380 were in attendance. The event grossed more than $200,000, with proceeds to be designated toward the mission of Sunshine From Darkness, the local mental health services of Harvest House and Teen Court of Sarasota, and cutting-edge research funded by the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation.  

In early August, Sunshine From Darkness representatives met with the leaders of Harvest House and Teen Court of Sarasota for a ceremonial check presentation; the two organizations and the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation each received $26,000 to support mental health services and research. Sunshine From Darkness will use the balance for its advocacy, education and program initiatives.

Work is underway on the 2024 Inspiring Hope Dinner, which takes place on January 12 at the Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota. Keynote speaker will be American comedian, actor, producer, and writer Tom Arnold, who will speak about his journey with anxiety and longtime battle with addiction. The evening will also feature the bestowing of the 2024 Lee and Bob Peterson Legacy Award to Bunny Skirboll – the founder of Compeer of the Gulf Coast – and live entertainment. Tickets are $350 and numerous sponsorships are still available. To inquire about the 2024 Dinner or to become a sponsor, contact Marlene Hauck (941-504-6717 or marlene@sunshinefromdarkness.org) or visit sunshinefromdarkness.org.

The organization will also present “Step Into the Light: A Mental Health Summit,” a free event that will empower attendees to learn new coping skills, promote mental health wellness, and reduce the stigma of mental illness. The Summit will take place Saturday, October 28 from 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at Robarts Arena (3000 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota). Visit stepintothelight.sunshinefromdarkness.org for more information and to register.

Founded as a subsidiary of the Lee and Bob Peterson Foundation, Sunshine From Darkness hosts events throughout the year that bring mental health and addiction awareness and education to the forefront of the community, providing professionals and philanthropists with the opportunity to engage with the broader mental health community. Its mission is to raise awareness of mental health and addiction disorders and erase the stigma of both. 

For more about Sunshine From Darkness, visit sunshinefromdarkness.org.