Sunshine from Darkness will ‘create a spark’ during Inspiring Hope Dinner

Sunshine from Darkness, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing mental health awareness, resilience and emotional literacy , has announced its 2026 Inspiring Hope Dinner. The organization’s annual fundraising event will take place on Friday, January 23, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. at the Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota (1111 Ritz Carlton Drive). This evening – with the theme “Creating a Spark” – will demonstrate that every spark has the power to ignite change.

The event will feature the bestowing of the 2026 Lee & Bob Peterson Legacy Award on the Karp Family, in honor of their dedicated support for Sunshine from Darkness. In our community, the Karps have long been a pillar of generosity, vision and encouragement. Taylor Karp Teymuri and Sarah Karp Renkliyuz’s leadership as co-chairs of the 2021 and 2023 dinners set the tone of compassion, courage and community that guides the organization today. The family's belief in the work done by Sunshine from Darkness during its formative stages has laid the foundation for everything the organization has built since.

“The Karp family’s legacy lives far beyond philanthropy – it shines through the lives touched by our programs, the conversations sparked by our events, and the growing movement toward understanding and resilience in mental health,” said Sunshine from Darkness Executive Director Marlene Hauck. “We are deeply grateful for their enduring commitment and are thrilled to celebrate their impact – as well as hear inspirational testimonials and enjoy some incredible music – during the 2026 Inspiring Hope Dinner.”

Community members and program participants will share powerful testimonials about the organization’s impact. Guests will enjoy a special musical performance by Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe Founder/Artistic Director Nate Jacobs, and Naärai, a vocalist who has sung with musical superstars including Beyoncé, Tori Kelly, Mariah Carey, Kanye West, Elton John and many more; a lively paddle raise; and dancing to live music by Quintessence.

Co-chairs are Christine Jennings, Sydney and Madison Koffman, Etienne "EJ" Porter, and Marylou Selo. Individual tickets are $375 and include dinner and open bar; numerous sponsorships ranging from $1,500-$20,000 are available. Proceeds from this year’s event will advance youth resiliency programs, educational initiatives, and community outreach—helping the organization to expand resources and inspire hope.

Sunshine from Darkness, a subsidiary of the Lee and Bob Peterson Foundation, is a nonprofit organization committed to championing mental health wellness through transformative programming, education, collaboration, and advocacy. Visit sunshinefromdarkness.org or call 941-504-6717 for more information.

About Sunshine from Darkness
Founded as a subsidiary of the Lee and Bob Peterson Foundation, Sunshine from Darkness is dedicated to supporting mental health wellness through programming, education, collaboration, and advocacy, as well as fundraising for impactful research and effective community engagement. Sunshine from Darkness committed to creating a community where mental health challenges are met with understanding, support, and resilience. Its mission is to enhance and promote mental health wellness in our community. Visit sunshinefromdarkness.org.