Broadway performer Chester Gregory heads Sunshine From Darkness mental wellness gala
Broadway performer Chester Gregory will headline the upcoming 2025 Inspiring Hope Dinner hosted by Sunshine From Darkness, a nonprofit dedicated to funding local mental health services and programs and mental health research.
The organization’s annual fundraising event on Jan. 17 at 6:30 p.m. at the Ritz-Carlton Sarasota raises funds for youth mental health initiatives.
Gregory turned personal tragedy and internal struggles into motivation for promoting mental wellness. After a transformative experience through therapy allowed him to navigate self-doubt and imposter syndrome, Gregory recognized the importance of community in the healing process. He launched The C.H.E.S.S. Board! (Collectively Healing Every Single Soul) with the belief that mental health is a journey no one should have to walk alone.
The event – with the theme “Creating a Spark” – will also award the 2025 Lee and Bob Peterson Legacy Award to Elisabeth Waters in honor of her contributions.
“We are dedicated to truly ‘creating a spark’ with an event that will shine bright and offer hope for all those facing mental health challenges,” Sunshine from Darkness president Jeffrey Peterson said. “This work is only possible thanks to advocates like Elisabeth Waters, who is being recognized for her enduring support.”
Proceeds from this year’s event will benefit two Sunshine from Darkness initiatives: enhanced “Blue Door Services,” which focus on empowering youth through emotional literacy, and youth mental health research, to discover impactful mental health treatments and explore mental health disorders.