Actress/singer Jennifer Holliday headlines Sunshine From Darkness mental health fundraiser

Actress and singer Jennifer Holliday, the original star of “Dreamgirls,” will headline the annual fundraising dinner for Sunshine From Darkness on Jan. 13 at the Ritz-Carlton in Sarasota.

Proceeds from the dinner, themed “Shining a Light on Mental Illness,” will benefit the local mental health services of Harvest House and Teen Court of Sarasota as well as cutting-edge research by the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation.

“We are so grateful to have a star of Jennifer Holliday’s caliber to help us shed light on the importance of the work we do to make a difference in the lives of those battling mental illness and addiction disorders,” Sunshine from Darkness president Jeffrey Peterson said.

Holliday, a Grammy, Drama Desk and Tony Award-winner, will perform at the event and also share the story of her own struggles with depression and multiple sclerosis.

“Her story of dealing with depression will inspire our guests," Peterson said. "By sharing personal stories publicly, it reduces the stigma associated with mental illness for all who are suffering.”

The event will begin with a VIP sponsor cocktail hour at 6:30 p.m. followed by a dinner program at 7:30 p.m. The event chair is Amie Austin and the event committee chairs are Sarah Karp and Taylor Karp Teymuri.

Holiday started her career on Broadway in musicals such as “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 earned a Grammy in 1983. Holliday also won the 1982 Tony Award for “Dreamgirls.”

The dinner also will feature dancing to the music of Quintessence and a performance by the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe Young Artists Ensemble. The Lee and Bob Peterson Legacy Award also will be presented to Joan and Bob Geyer of the Academy at Glengary.

Organizers set $250,000 goal

Last year's Inspiring Hope Dinner raised more than $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 marlene@sunshinefromdarkness.org or visit sunshinefromdarkness.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 beneficiaries include:

• The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation. The foundation is committed to alleviating suffering caused by mental illness by awarding grants that will lead to breakthroughs 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. The nonprofit supportive housing provider offers eight campuses, 25 affordable rentals, and 380 beds in Sarasota and Manatee counties to serve homeless families, youths ages 16-24, and adults with a history of incarceration and substance abuse issues. The organization works to break the generational cycle of homelessness and trauma by providing personal development workshops and mental health services. Visit harvesthousecenters.org.

• Teen Court of Sarasota Inc. The program provides a second chance for students who have been referred for minor legal infractions. The organization provides students, ages 8-18, with 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.

Submitted by Gayle Guynup

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Singer Jennifer Holliday to headline Sunshine From Darkness fundraiser