Sunshine from Darkness creates a spark during Inspiring Hope Dinner

Sunshine from Darkness (SFD), a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing mental health awareness, resilience, and emotional literacy, recently held its 2026 Inspiring Hope Dinner, with the theme “Creating a Spark.” The organization’s annual fundraising event, which took place at the Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, had nearly 400 in attendance. At least $170,000 was raised just through the live auction and paddle raise; the final fundraising total is still being determined.

SFD Executive Director Marlene Hauck and Development Director Albani Hogan welcomed the guests, offering insight as to the critical importance of mental health access as well as community involvement in moving the cause forward. They highlighted the organization’s 2025 achievements, including: forming a Resiliency Advisory Council; expanding its resiliency and coping skills workshops for children and college-age students; offering a staff development workshop for teachers that was focused on the science of brain and behavioral development; and presenting the free Step Into the Light Mental Health Summit to hundreds of attendees.

Clinical Neuropsychologist and Resiliency Advisory Council member Dr. Amie Austin noted that, nationally, nearly one in three young people experiences mental, emotional, behavioral or developmental challenges that affect learning, relationships and overall well-being. In Florida, more than 300,000 adolescents struggle with depression yet about 60 percent receive no mental health care at all – not so surprising when one considers that Florida consistently ranks at or near the bottom of mental health access in the country

“These are not abstract statistics – they are our children, our students, our neighbors,” Dr. Austin said. “But here’s the hopeful truth: when young people get the right support, outcomes change. The gap between need and care is where Sunshine From Darkness steps in. And that’s why the programs Sunshine From Darkness provides are not just helpful – they are essential.”

During the event, the Karp Family was presented with the 2026 Lee & Bob Peterson Legacy Award by Sunshine From Darkness President Jeffrey Peterson and last year’s winner, Elisabeth Waters. Sisters 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.

Guests enjoyed special musical performances 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. Fundraising host Gabriel Butu kept the energy high during the live auction and paddle raise; the evening closed out with dancing to live music by Quintessence.

“Tonight wasn’t just about raising funds – it was about what we created together. We brought hope. We shared light. We reminded one another that no one walks through darkness alone," said co-chair Madison Koffman before the dancing began. "Because of your generosity and belief in this mission, Sunshine From Darkness will continue to uplift, support, and bring healing to so many individuals and families in our community. What we did here tonight matters – and its impact will be felt far beyond these walls."

Co-chairs were Christine Jennings, Sydney and Madison Koffman, Etienne "EJ" Porter, and Marylou Selo. Leading sponsors were Elisabeth Waters, Sage, Jeffrey Peterson, David Peterson, the Cohn/Gutterman Philanthropic Fund, and The Arthur S. Karp Family Foundation.

Proceeds from this year’s event will help to expand programming to meet young people where they are, including specialized empowerment workshops for youth in performing arts and sports; support continued collaboration with USF Sarasota-Manatee’s College of Education; and launch a new workshop format that will enable SFD to reach more youths, in additional settings, across the community; among other efforts and initiatives.

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 to learn more.

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.