Sunshine From Darkness raises over $300,000 for mental health programs

Sunshine From Darkness (SFD), a nonprofit organization dedicated to the funding of local mental health services and programs and mental health research, created a spark with its 2025 Inspiring Hope Dinner program. The organization’s annual fundraising event, which had 350 in attendance, took place on January 17 at the Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota.

This evening was one of inspiration, connection, and hope. The fundraising effort brought in over $300,000 for mental health initiatives, including SFD’s Youth Resiliency Programs.

The keynote speaker was educator and Broadway performer Chester Gregory, who talked about his nearly-overnight success in theater and beyond, his opportunity to dance with Michael Jackson, and the joy he experienced at his career success. However, it all came crashing down when he lost his father. He struggled with depression and imposter syndrome; his life changed only when he was able to move past the stigma and get the help he needed. He started a social media channel focused on mental health and now he is not only a Tony Award-winner but also a powerful mental health and wellness advocate.

Devoted supporter Elisabeth Waters was presented with the 2025 Lee and Bob Peterson Legacy Award in honor of her extraordinary contributions; the award was presented by Sunshine From Darkness President Jeffrey Peterson and Waters’ dear friend, Roxanne Permesly. Guests also witnessed powerful testimonials by community members and participants from SFD-supported programs, participated in a lively “Spark the Change” paddle raise emceed by Gabriel Butu, and enjoyed singing by former “American Idol” contestant Alana during dinner as well as a special performance by Gregory and, later, dancing to the live music of Quintessence to close out the evening.

"In this room, we have the power to make a difference. We can help create a world where mental health is no longer a taboo topic but a fundamental aspect of well-being," said event co-chair Dr. Amie Austin during her remarks. “We can help provide young people with the tools, resources and support they need to thrive – not just survive. The need for change is urgent. We must take bold steps – together – to ensure that mental health is treated with the same priority as physical health.”

In the coming year – armed with the proceeds from the Inspiring Hope Dinner – SFD will: expand its Youth Resiliency Program, which focuses on empowering youth through emotional literacy; bolster its Blue Door Community Connections Initiative, which bridges the gap between research, providers and those in need; collaborate with USF Sarasota-Manatee to create a Resilience Collective there; present its free Mental Health Summit on May 3; and continue to enhance and promote mental health wellness in the community.

Co-chairs of the Inspiring Hope Dinner were Amie Austin, Ph.D. and her daughter Amara Oliva, Sydney and Madison Koffman, and Kelvin and Cindy Foster.

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 enhance and promote mental health wellness in our community.

Visit sunshinefromdarkness.org or call 941-504-6717 for more information.

About Sunshine From Darkness
Sunshine From Darkness is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising funds for local organizations that provide mental health services in the Sarasota community and providing programs of its own as well as funding cutting-edge mental health research. 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 enhance and promote mental health wellness in our community. Visit sunshinefromdarkness.org.