Steps to Wellness

Join us for a transformative journey towards mental wellness at our 9th annual Steps to Wellness luncheon. This event is dedicated to raising awareness and promoting a holistic approach to mental health as a community.

This year’s luncheon theme is “It Takes Heart: A Thriving Community, Growing Together.” This powerful theme underscores our collective commitment to making a difference in mental wellness, emphasizing that meaningful change begins with individual actions and extends to the broader community.

The Steps to Wellness Luncheon has become a hallmark gathering where passionate individuals and organizations converge to exchange ideas, experiences, and inspiration about mental health. It serves as a pivotal platform for networking, learning, and advocating for mental wellness.

The program will feature distinguished guest speakers who will offer insights and inspiration from their expertise in mental health. 

Date: September 11th, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Best Western Gateway Grand 4200 NW 97th BLVD, Gainesville, FL 32606

For more information or to donate items for the silent auction, please contact:
Joni Perkins
(352) 647-4079
Joni_Perkins@mbhci.org

Meet our keynote speaker

Kevin Stamper is a dynamic and influential public speaker, celebrated as one of the most captivating voices in professional communication today. A highly sought-after consultant, Kevin has worked with businesses, NGOs, and political campaigns worldwide, helping them shape and share their messages effectively.

With an M.A. in Professional Communication from the University of Tampa, Kevin combines academic expertise with hands-on experience, offering audiences a unique and practical perspective. His dedication to elevating communication skills has earned him the title of #1 Speaker in America by Toastmasters International, and in 2017, he placed 3rd in Toastmasters’ World Championship of Public Speaking.

Beyond the stage, Kevin is a best-selling author, pastor, professor, and nonprofit executive. He currently serves as the Vice President of Development at Lutheran Services Florida, a statewide nonprofit impacting the lives of 1 in 50 Floridians annually. Additionally, he is an adjunct professor of public speaking at Trinity College of Florida and a pastor at Restoration Church in Trinity, Florida (restoretrinity.com).

At the heart of Kevin’s work is a commitment to storytelling—using his voice to advocate for the most vulnerable and inspire change. Yet, his favorite stories are those shared around the table with his family. Kevin and his wife, Marie, have been married for 18 years and are the proud parents of Jane and Oliver.

For communication insights, engaging stories, and thought-provoking perspectives, connect with Kevin Stamper on LinkedIn or follow him on social media @kevinstamper.

Meet our Education speaker

Candi Morris is a passionate advocate for suicide prevention with over seven years of experience in advocating and educating our community about suicide prevention. Candi joined the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) because she believes in saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide. Candi is dedicated to break the stigma about suicide and is eager to support the organization’s efforts to create a culture that is smart about mental health. Outside of volunteering with AFSP, Candi enjoys reading, camping, and kayaking.

Sponsorship Levels

Supporter Sponsor – $250

• 1 event ticket
• Company logo prominently displayed on all print communication
• Company logo prominently displayed on Meridian’s website
• Company logo prominently displayed in event-day slideshow
• Company logo prominently displayed in event-day printed program
• Social Media recognition on Meridian’s Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn pages
• Mention in Meridian’s eNews digital newsletter

Bronze Sponsor – $500

• 2 event tickets
• Benefits of Supporter Sponsorship, plus:
• Inclusion in press release for event

Silver Sponsor – $1,000

• 4 event tickets
• Benefits of Bronze Sponsorship, plus:
• Opportunity to place promo items at guest tables
• Verbal recognition at event

Gold Sponsor – $2,500

• 1 table = 8 event tickets
• Benefits of Silver Sponsorship, plus:
• Industry exclusivity as top-tier sponsorship level