Sunshine From Darkness announces honorees, entertainment for 2027 Inspiring Hope Dinner

Sunshine From Darkness, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing mental health awareness, resilience and emotional literacy, has announced its honorees for the 2027 Inspiring Hope Dinner. The organization’s annual gala event will take place on Friday, February 5, 2027 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 2027 Lee & Bob Peterson Legacy Award on Judge Charles Williams and Judge Erika Quartermaine. The two are being recognized for their extraordinary leadership in transforming how our community supports individuals with mental health challenges within the justice system. Both judges have dedicated their careers to advancing restorative, therapeutic and humane approaches that prioritize treatment, dignity, and long term recovery over traditional punitive responses.

“Judges Williams and Quartermaine have reshaped the landscape of mental health justice in our region,” said Jeffrey Peterson, president of the Lee & Bob Peterson Foundation/Sunshine From Darkness. “Their leadership has created pathways of hope for individuals facing profound challenges, strengthened community safety, and advanced a model of justice rooted in empathy, recovery and resilience. Their work – which is leaving a lasting impact on countless lives – embodies the spirit of the Lee & Bob Peterson Legacy Award.”

Additionally, one of the nation’s leading providers of fine-crafted delicatessen foods, Boar’s Head Brand – which is headquartered in Sarasota – will receive the inaugural Wellness Innovator Award, which recognizes a company or organization that demonstrates outstanding leadership in advancing mental health and wellness in the workplace and the community. Comprehensive mental health coverage has been part of the Boar's Head Brand benefits package since 2008 because the company believes mental well-being is a core component of health. In 2022, the company expanded its health collaboration with Marathon Health to include mental health, offering confidential appointments with licensed mental health counselors at no cost to employees. Today, Boar’s Head Brand has three on-site health and wellness centers where employees and their families can receive comprehensive healthcare services through work.

“It is a true honor to accept the Sunshine from Darkness Wellness Innovator Award on behalf of Boar’s Head Brand," said Robbin Haynes, Senior Benefits Manager for Boar’s Head Brand. "Over my 20 years with the company, I’ve seen how prioritizing mental health alongside physical well-being transforms lives. Mental health is health, and expanding access to zero-cost, confidential care ensures our team members and their families have the support they deserve.”

During the Inspiring Hope Dinner, guests will hear remarks and enjoy a special musical performance by singer-songwriter, actress and model Syesha, who first rose to fame when she placed in the top three during the seventh season of “American Idol.” Syesha, who grew up in Bradenton and Sarasota, is now a mental health advocate who speaks about health and balance; she aims to help children and families thrive through music, wellness and nature.

Frequent Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe artist Michael Mejia-Mendez will perform an excerpt from his original musical revue, “Harry Belafonte: King of Calypso.” The evening will culminate with a dance party fueled by Quintessence.

“We would simply not be able to achieve our mission with the support and advocacy from the community,” said Sunshine From Darkness executive director Marlene Hauck. “Generosity from the community helps us to advance youth resiliency programs, educational initiatives, and community outreach—helping us to expand available mental wellness resources and to inspire hope.”

Co-chairs are Renee Gilmore and Charlie Ann Syprett. Honorary co-chairs are Donna Koffman, Sydney and Madison Koffman, Sarah Karp Renkliyuz and Taylor Karp Teymuri. Individual tickets are $400 and include dinner and open bar; numerous sponsorships ranging from $1,500-$25,000 are available.

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.