Actress and singer Jennifer Holliday, the original star of “Dreamgirls,” will headline the annual fundraising dinner for Sunshine From Darkness on January 13 at the Ritz-Carlton in Sarasota.
Proceeds from the dinner, themed “Illuminating Mental Illness,” will benefit local mental health services from Harvest House and Teen Court of Sarasota, as well as cutting-edge research from the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation.
“We are so grateful to have a star of Jennifer Holliday’s caliber to help shine a light on the importance of the work we do to make a difference in the lives of those struggling with mental illness and addictive disorders,” said the president of Sunshine from Darkness, Jeffrey Peterson. .
Grammy, Drama Desk and Tony Award winner Holliday will perform at the event and will also share the story of her own struggle with depression and multiple sclerosis.
“Her story of dealing with depression will inspire our guests,” said Peterson. “By sharing personal stories publicly, the stigma associated with mental illness is reduced for all who experience it.”
The event will kick off with a VIP Sponsor Cocktail Party at 6:30 pm followed by a dinner program at 7:30 pm Amie Austin will chair the event and Sarah Karp and Taylor Karp Teymuri will chair the event committee.
Holiday began her Broadway career in musicals like “Dreamgirls” and “Your Arms Too Short to Box with God.” She became a successful recording artist, best known for her debut rhythm and blues single from “Dreamgirls,” “And I am Telling You I’m Not Going,” which won a Grammy in 1983. Holliday also won a Tony Award in 1982. for “Dream Girls”.
The dinner will also feature dancing to the music of Quintessence and a performance by the Young Artists Ensemble of the West Coast Black Theater Company. The Lee and Bob Peterson Legacy Award will also be presented to Joan and Bob Geyer of the Academy in Glengary.
The organizers set a goal of $250,000
Last year’s Inspirational Hope Dinner raised over $170,000. Organizers hope to raise $250,000 at the 2023 dinner. Tickets are $325 and sponsorships are available. Contact Marlene Hauck at 941-504-6717 or [email protected] or visit soldeoscuridad.org for more information.
Sunshine From Darkness is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising funds for charities that provide health and addiction disorder services in the Sarasota community and for cutting-edge mental health research. The 2023 recipients include:
• The Brain and Behavior Research Foundation. The foundation is committed to alleviating the suffering caused by mental illness by making grants that will lead to advances in research. Since 1987, the Foundation has awarded more than $430 million, funding more than 6,200 grants to more than 5,100 scientists around the world. Visit bbrfoundation.org.
• Harvest House. Nonprofit supportive housing provider offers eight campuses, 25 affordable rentals, and 380 beds in Sarasota and Manatee counties to serve homeless families, youth ages 16-24, and adults with incarceration histories and abuse issues of substances. The organization works to break the generational cycle of homelessness and trauma by providing personal development workshops and mental health services. Visit harvestcenters.org.
• Teen Court of Sarasota Inc. The program provides a second chance to students who have been referred for minor legal infractions. The organization offers students, ages 8 to 18, educational youth development activities designed to meet the needs of at-risk youth, as well as student volunteers. Case managers provide the tools for clients, including access to free mental health services. Visit sarasotateencourt.org.
Posted by Gayle Guynup
