Some events entertain. Others leave a lasting impression.
The 2026 Tampa Bay Thrives GLOW event did exactly that, bringing together community leaders, advocates, sponsors, and supporters for an immersive evening dedicated to advancing mental health across the Tampa Bay region.
Held on May 4th during Mental Health Awareness Month, GLOW transformed The Dalí Museum in St. Petersburg into a vibrant experience centered on connection, conversation, and well-being. Every detail, from the interactive activations to the signature green lighting woven throughout the evening, was intentionally designed to encourage guests to engage with one another while supporting Tampa Bay Thrives' mission of creating a mentally healthier community.
Through meaningful storytelling, immersive experiences, generous philanthropy, and the support of countless community partners, the evening raised critical funding for programs that continue to improve mental wellness throughout Tampa Bay.
An Evening Designed With Purpose
From the moment guests arrived, it was clear this was not a traditional fundraising gala.
The Dalí Museum's iconic architecture and breathtaking waterfront setting provided the backdrop, but the experience itself was thoughtfully designed to reflect the organization's mission.
The event's signature green color palette symbolized nature, renewal, health, and well-being, reinforcing the evening's focus on reducing stigma, encouraging meaningful conversations, and reminding guests that mental health deserves the same attention as physical health.
Throughout the museum's galleries and event spaces, attendees connected with fellow advocates, business leaders, healthcare professionals, and community members united by a shared commitment to creating a stronger, healthier Tampa Bay.
Five Experiences That Invited Guests to Participate
Rather than simply attending a program, guests were invited to become part of the experience through five interactive wellness activations designed to encourage mindfulness, reflection, and connection.
The What Makes You Glow? Wall, an illuminated plexiglass installation glowing with green LED lighting, invited guests to share what makes them feel happy, healthy, connected, or inspired. More than an interactive display, it served as an extension of Tampa Bay Thrives' #IYKYK (If You Know, You Know) campaign, which encourages authentic conversations and personal stories surrounding mental health.
Guests also explored the IYKYK Mindful Start Library, a digital collection of mental health resources and educational content available through interactive touchscreen displays.
The Wellness Toolkit Experience introduced attendees to Tampa Bay Thrives' collection of mindfulness activities and conversation starters, while the Sound Bath Meditation Station created a calming space for guests to pause, reflect, and recharge amid the excitement of the evening.
One of the evening's most memorable moments came through the LED wristband activation. Every guest received a wristband upon arrival, and throughout the program the room illuminated in synchronized waves of green as stories, statistics, and moments of inspiration unfolded on stage, transforming the audience into part of the experience itself.
Together, these thoughtfully designed activations reinforced the evening's central message: conversations about mental health begin with connection.
A Community United for Mental Health
Throughout the evening, powerful storytelling remained at the center of the program.
Hosted by Tampa Bay Buccaneers legend and WWE personality Thaddeus Bullard, the program featured inspiring stories that highlighted both the challenges and hope surrounding mental health in our community. St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch also addressed attendees, emphasizing the importance of supporting organizations like Tampa Bay Thrives and continuing to prioritize mental wellness across the region.
The generosity shown throughout the evening reflected that same commitment.A matching gift challenge inspired remarkable support from attendees, helping raise tens of thousands of dollars that will directly benefit Tampa Bay Thrives initiatives, including student wellness rooms, anti-stigma campaigns, educational programming, and expanded access to mental health resources throughout the region.
The evening's success was also made possible through the generosity of numerous community sponsors whose partnership helped transform the vision into reality.
Bringing the Vision to Life
As the exclusive event management partner for The Dalí Museum, UDREAM EVENTS was honored to collaborate with Tampa Bay Thrives in bringing this meaningful event to life.
From production management and vendor coordination to guest experience, event logistics, and on-site execution, our team worked alongside museum staff, sponsors, partners, and vendors to ensure every detail supported the organization's mission.
Events like GLOW demonstrate that successful event planning goes beyond logistics. The most memorable experiences are intentionally designed to make guests feel something, inspire meaningful conversations, and create lasting connections long after the evening comes to a close.
More Than a Fundraiser
GLOW was more than an evening at one of St. Petersburg's most iconic event venues.
It was a reminder that thoughtfully designed events can inspire action, strengthen communities, and create space for conversations that matter.
Through immersive experiences, authentic storytelling, and a shared commitment to mental wellness, Tampa Bay Thrives created an event that reflected its mission in every detail while generating meaningful support for programs that will continue impacting lives throughout Tampa Bay.
We're grateful to have played a role in helping bring that vision to life.
Host Your Next Event at The Dalí Museum
Whether you're planning a nonprofit fundraiser, charity gala, corporate event, client reception, or private celebration, The Dalí Museum offers one of the most distinctive event venues in St. Petersburg.
As the museum's exclusive event management partner, UDREAM EVENTS helps organizations transform ideas into unforgettable experiences through thoughtful strategy, creative event design, and seamless execution.I
f you're looking for an event venue that leaves a lasting impression, we'd love to help bring your vision to life.
Interested in hosting your next event at The Dalí Museum? We'd love to show you what's possible.
