Sunshine From Darkness

?? Shining a Light on Mental Health Advocacy: Marlene Hauck’s Inspiring Journey ?? Meet Marlene M. Hauck, Executive Director of Sunshine from Darkness, whose story is a testament to resilience, compassion, and the power of education. ?? Marlene’s journey began at home when her daughter’s mental health challenges illuminated the stigma and misunderstanding surrounding this critical issue. Fueled by personal experience and a desire to foster change, Marlene found her calling at Sunshine from Darkness, where she leads transformative programs promoting mental health wellness, early intervention, and education for children and families. Her belief? “Every small step matters.” Whether it’s teaching kids how to manage their emotions or advocating for underserved communities, Marlene champions a world where mental health is embraced as a cornerstone of overall well-being. ?? Florida may rank 50th in the nation for mental health funding, but under Marlene’s leadership, Sunshine from Darkness is bridging the gap through fundraising, outreach, and unwavering dedication. Together, we can break the stigma and build a brighter future. ? Read Marlene’s powerful story and join the conversation about mental health: https://lnkd.in/ervej6E4 #MentalHealthAwareness #Advocacy #SunshineFromDarkness #EndTheStigma

? Don’t miss your chance to be part of an unforgettable evening! ? Join us at the Inspiring Hope Dinner: Creating a Spark on Friday, January 17, 2025, at the stunning The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota! ?? ?? Watch the sneak peek video to see why this night is more than just an event — it’s a movement to create hope and spark change in our community. ?? ??? Tickets are going fast! Reserve yours now and secure your place at a table surrounded by inspiration, connection, and purpose. https://lnkd.in/gUBjPvqr ????A heartfelt THANK YOU to our generous sponsors who make this event possible: Exclusive Sponsor: Elisabeth Waters Luminary Sponsors: Cohn/Gutterman Philanthropic Fund; The Maxi Fuxjager Foundation; Roxanne Permesly; Jeffrey Peterson; David Peterson Patron Sponsors: The Sarasota Modern; ARTHUR S KARP FAMILY FOUNDATION INC; Norma & Sam Savin; Marylou Selo Supporter Sponsors: Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation / Sarasota Memorial Health Care System; Palm Printing; Welch Family Charitable Fund; Drummerboy Entertainment Friend Sponsors: Ringling College of Art and Design; Monica & Ai Streacker; Samantha Kingsley (Kingsley Event Consulting) Guest Gift Underwriter: Sydney & Madison Koffman Media Sponsors: Herald-Tribune Media Group; Observer Media Group; SRQ Magazine; West Coast Woman; WUSF; WSLR+Fogartyville ?? Let’s come together to ignite hope and create a brighter future. We can’t wait to see you there! #CreatingASpark #InspiringHopeDinner #ThankYouSponsors #CommunityImpact #MakeADifference

? Join us for an evening that inspires change! ? On Friday, January 17, 2025, the elegant Ritz-Carlton Sarasota will host the Inspiring Hope Dinner: Creating a Spark—an unforgettable evening dedicated to igniting hope and driving meaningful change in our community. ?? Featuring Broadway star Chester Gregory as our special guest and honoring the incredible Elisabeth Waters with the Lee & Bob Peterson Legacy Award, this event promises inspiration, celebration, and connection. ?? Together, we’ll shine a light on hope and the power of collective impact. Don’t miss your chance to be part of something truly transformative. ??? Reserve your spot today and help us create sparks of change! https://lnkd.in/exUbZ6Yg #CreatingASpark #InspiringHopeDinner #CommunityImpact #Leadership #NonprofitEvents #MakingADifference

This Giving Tuesday, Let’s Spark Hope Together! This #GivingTuesday, join Sunshine from Darkness in making a difference for mental health. Your generosity helps us provide crucial resources, raise awareness, and fund groundbreaking research to support those in need. Together, we can create a brighter future. Whether it’s $5 or $500, every contribution makes an impact. Donate here: https://lnkd.in/e5QGKUw9 Help us spread the word by sharing this post or tagging a friend who cares about mental health. Let's unite for hope, healing, and brighter tomorrows. #SunshineFromDarkness #GivingTuesday #MentalHealthMatters #SpreadHope

?? Broadway Talent Meets Mental Health Advocacy: Chester Gregory to Headline the Inspiring Hope Dinner! ?? We’re excited to share that Chester Gregory, acclaimed Broadway performer and mental health advocate, will headline the 2025 Inspiring Hope Dinner hosted by Sunshine From Darkness. This special event, held on January 17 at the Ritz-Carlton Sarasota, aims to raise funds for critical youth mental health initiatives, supporting both services and research to enhance mental wellness for our community's young people. Chester’s personal journey from hardship to mental health champion led him to launch The C.H.E.S.S. Board! (Collectively Healing Every Single Soul), emphasizing the power of community in mental health. Through his experiences, he reminds us all that mental health is a journey we don’t have to navigate alone. This year’s dinner theme, “Creating a Spark,” highlights our commitment to igniting hope and fostering change. Additionally, we’re honored to present the 2025 Lee and Bob Peterson Legacy Award to Elisabeth Waters in recognition of her steadfast support for mental health awareness. ?? Read more about this inspiring event and how you can support our mission to bring hope and healing to our youth! https://lnkd.in/gBdyva7d #MentalHealthAwareness #YouthMentalHealth #SunshineFromDarkness #CreatingASpark #InspiringHopeDinner #MentalWellness #ChesterGregory

Join us for an evening of hope, inspiration, and even some motivation. It’s important to celebrate the joy of inspiration and the positivity of hope, especially now when doom seems to cloud even the simplest of tasks or ideas. We will embrace the things that keep you going every day. This year’s?Sunshine From Darkness?Inspiring Hope Dinner will enhance the importance of Creating a Spark in life.?Join us on?Friday, January 17th, 2025?at?The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota?for an evening of aspiration, connection, and encouragement. Sponsorship Opportunities Available! https://lnkd.in/exUbZ6Yg

Join us for an evening of hope, inspiration, and even some motivation. It’s important to celebrate the joy of inspiration and the positivity of hope, especially now when doom seems to cloud even the simplest of tasks or ideas. We will embrace the things that keep you going every day. This year’s?Sunshine From Darkness?Inspiring Hope Dinner will enhance the importance of Creating a Spark in life.?Join us on?Friday, January 17th, 2025?at?The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota?for an evening of aspiration, connection, and encouragement. What is the Spark? It’s the fire within that gives life meaning and propels you forward. It’s about finding purpose, taking care of your mental well-being, and building strong relationships. What to Expect: Sparkling Performances:?Enjoy performances from Quintessence and Broadway performer Chester Gregory. Powerful Testimonials:?Hear inspiring stories from participants in our Blue Door programs, community members, and featured artist Chester Gregory. A Night of Hope:?While reconnecting with your community, learn about the exciting future of Sunshine From Darkness. More Than Just a Dinner We always enjoy engaging with our supporters as well as making new friends at the Inspiring Hope Dinner. Your participation supports two crucial initiatives: Enhanced Blue Door Services:?Empowering youth with emotional literacy through workshops on mindfulness, yoga, communication, and other creative tools. This builds coping mechanisms and mental health awareness. Youth Mental Health Research:?Funding innovative research for impactful mental health treatments and exploring mental health disorders. Your?commitment helps Sunshine From Darkness strengthen resources, expand education, and empower those facing mental health challenges. Your attendance makes a difference.?Thank you! Sponsorship Opportunities Available! https://lnkd.in/exUbZ6Yg