Sunshine from Darkness, a nonprofit, volunteer-driven organization dedicated to the funding of mental health research and local mental health services and programs, is proud to present its 2021 Inspiring Hope Dinner and Journey to Wellness Symposium events on November 12 and 13. 

The Inspiring Hope Dinner, themed “Striking Out the Stigma of Mental Illness,” will recognize and feature legendary professional baseball star Darryl Strawberry and Steve Ford, actor and son of former President Gerald Ford and First Lady Betty Ford. Proceeds from the dinner will benefit First Step of Sarasota and The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation. The event takes place Friday, November 12, 6:30 p.m. at the Ritz-Carlton Sarasota (1111 Ritz-Carlton Dr.). 

Darryl Strawberry played 17 seasons in Major League Baseball with the New York Mets and New York Yankees. Strawberry’s story of childhood abuse, anxiety, drug and alcohol addiction and, ultimately, his recovery, has inspired audiences across the nation. Steve Ford has 25 years of sobriety, recovering from a dual diagnosis of both addiction and depression. He has spoken to hundreds of groups with a transparent but hopeful message of recovery.

The Journey to Wellness Symposium will focus on new treatments, discoveries, and insights on pressing mental health issues, including the impact of COVID-19 on young people. The symposium takes place from 8:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at the Sarasota Hyatt Regency (1000 Boulevard of the Arts) on November 13. Free and open to the public. 

For more information, tickets, and sponsorships, visit sunshinefromdarkness.org.

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