6th Annual Bringing Light into Darkness
Brought to you by:
Thursday, September 10, 2026
4:30pm – 9:30pm
Held at the HVMHC Winona Clinic location – 420 East Sarnia St
Join us for an evening of connection, learning, entertainment, and hope at the 6th Annual Bringing Light into Darkness Community Awareness Event. This free community gathering brings people together to raise awareness about mental health and substance use while celebrating the resilience, recovery, and support that help individuals, families, and communities thrive.
The evening begins at 4:30 p.m. and features a variety of opportunities to learn, connect, and engage with the community. Explore our Community Resource Fair with approximately 30 local organizations, enjoy food vendors and family-friendly activities, browse the Silent Auction, and connect with resources and services that support health and well-being across our region.
A special feature of the event is our illuminated green ribbon display, created with green tea lights in remembrance of those lost to overdose during the past year. As the evening progresses and the lights begin to glow, the display serves as a powerful symbol of remembrance, awareness, and hope while honoring lives lost and reinforcing our community’s commitment to prevention, recovery, and support.
The event will also feature a community program with local speakers sharing messages of hope, resilience, and recovery, followed by a free live concert by Them Coulee Boys under the main event tent.
Bringing Light into Darkness is free and open to the entire community. Whether you are seeking resources, supporting a loved one, enjoying an evening of live music, or simply looking to connect with others, we invite you to join us for a memorable evening dedicated to awareness, healing, and hope.
FREE Concert by “Them Coulee Boys” under the tent from 7:30pm-9:30pm
Join us for an unforgettable evening of live music with Them Coulee Boys as they take the stage from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. This free outdoor concert will be held in the back parking lot of the Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center Winona Clinic under a large event tent.
Known for their energetic performances and heartfelt blend of Americana, folk, and bluegrass-inspired music, Them Coulee Boys deliver a high-energy show that brings people together through the power of music and community.
Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets and arrive early to claim their spot. Whether you’re attending the entire event or joining us just for the concert, this is a wonderful opportunity to gather with friends, family, and neighbors for an evening of great music and community connection.
Admission is free and open to the public.
Free Children’s Events from 4:30 – 7:30 In the back parking lot
The kid’s area is loaded with free entertainment. Enjoy an inflatable bounce house and inflatable obstacle course. Take a ride on the tractor pulled barrel train, shoot some hoops at the basketball station, or make some noise with the Boom Station!
Silent Auction (4:30pm – End of Concert Intermission – roughly 8:30) – Located in the Garden Room
Discover unique treasures, local experiences, gift baskets, artwork, and more at our Silent Auction, located inside Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center’s Garden Room. Whether you’re searching for the perfect gift, a fun experience, or simply want to support a great cause, there’s something for everyone to bid on.
Take your time browsing the collection of donated items, place your bids, and enjoy a little friendly competition throughout the evening. Best of all, every bid helps support the programs and services of Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center, making a positive impact in the communities we serve.
The Silent Auction will close during the intermission of the free Them Coulee Boys concert at approximately 8:30 p.m., so be sure to get your final bids in before the music starts back up. Winning bidders will be announced following the close of the auction.
Winning bidders may pay for and pick up their items in the Garden Room anytime between the close of the auction and the end of the evening at 9:30 p.m.
Be sure to stop in often during the event—new and exciting auction items will be highlighted as they arrive!
Resource Fair 4:30-6:30
Located under a large tent in the back parking lot
Discover the many mental health, substance use, wellness, and community support services available throughout our region at the Bringing Light into Darkness Community Resource Fair.
Featuring approximately 30 local organizations and service providers, the Resource Fair offers a unique opportunity to connect directly with professionals, learn about available programs, ask questions, and gather information about resources that can support you, your family, friends, or neighbors.
Whether you’re looking for mental health services, substance use recovery support, crisis resources, family programs, housing assistance, peer support, healthcare services, or other community-based programs, you’ll find a wide variety of organizations ready to help.
The Resource Fair is free and open to the public. Stop by, explore available resources, participate in family-friendly activities, and discover the many ways our community is working together to promote hope, healing, and well-being.
Evening Speakers 6:30-7:15
Located on the Stage in the back parking lot
At the heart of Bringing Light Into Darkness are the stories, experiences, and voices that remind us that hope, healing, and recovery are possible. Join us beginning at 6:30 p.m. as community leaders and advocates share messages of resilience, connection, and mental health awareness.
Speaker Schedule
6:30 p.m. – Welcome & Opening Remarks
Erik Sievers, Executive Director, Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center
Erik will officially welcome guests to the event and share opening remarks about the importance of coming together as a community to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and support those affected by mental health challenges and addiction.
6:40 p.m. – Building Hope in Our Schools
Dwayne Voegeli & the Winona Senior High School Hope Squad
Learn about Hope Squad, a peer-to-peer suicide prevention program that empowers students to recognize and support classmates who may be struggling. Dwayne and members of the Hope Squad will share highlights from the program’s first year at Winona Senior High School and discuss the impact it has had on students and school culture.
6:55 p.m. – A Personal Journey of Mental Health & Resilience
Ryan Sullivan, Former Law Enforcement Officer
Ryan is a born and bred Minnesotan, with strong roots in Southeast Minnesota. Upon graduating college from Winona State University, Ryan spent over a decade working in Law Enforcement. After medically retiring with PTSD in 2020, Ryan experienced two years of major medical issues after a routine knee surgery left him permanently disabled. Ryan shares his story of resilience, overcoming obstacles and finding the worth and love that exists within each of us, every single day.
Following the speaker presentations, guests are invited to stay for a free community concert featuring Them Coulee Boys beginning at 7:30 p.m.
Food Trucks 4:30-9:30
Located in the back parking lot
Free Winona Transit Route 6:00pm-10:30pm September 11th.
Last pickup from HVMHC will be at 10:00 PM!
The regularly scheduled Winona Transit Routes run until 6:15pm on Thursday nights. This special route will run from 6:00pm – 10:30pm with the last pickup from HVMHC being at 10:00pm. This is free to the whole community, provided by HVMHC and our event sponsors. With limited parking available on site take advantage of this free opportunity to be dropped off and picked up.
Be a 2026 Sponsor!
2025 Bringing Light into Darkness Sponsors
Community Sponsor
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