Sunshine from Darkness Hosts Inspiring Hope Dinner Kickoff Party

November 4, 2022 – Sarasota

On October 23, Sunshine from Darkness hosted a kickoff party for those involved with the Inspiring Hope Dinner, which will take place January 13, 2023. Approximately 60 were in attendance for the celebration at the Ritz-Carlton Beach Club.

The event hosts were Inspiring Hope Dinner chair Amie Austin, PhD, dinner committee co-chairs Sarah Karp and Taylor Karp Teymuri, and Sunshine from Darkness / Lee and Bob Peterson Foundation president Jeffrey Peterson.

Austin welcomed the guests and then spoke about the importance of funding mental health programs and services, and promoting mental health wellness in the community. Karp and Karp Teymuri emphasized the importance of supporting Sunshine from Darkness as well as the two local beneficiaries, Harvest House and Teen Court of Sarasota. Then they introduced Erin Minor from Harvest House and Heather Todd from Teen Court.

Minor read emails from three clients who expressed their gratitude for the mental health treatment they received; the two thanked Sunshine from Darkness leaders, Peterson and executive director Marlene Hauck, for selecting their organizations. The guests then mingled and enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and cocktails on the Sunset Patio.

The Inspiring Hope Dinner, themed “Shining a Light on Mental Illness,” will feature Grammy 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. The event will also 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.

“We look forward to welcoming community members to the Inspiring Hope Dinner on January 13,” said Jeffrey Peterson. “Through their sponsorship and attendance, they will be helping Sunshine from Darkness to fund research that could transform people’s lives and enhance their well-being as well as supporting agencies that provide critically-needed mental health services right here in our local community.”

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