Meridian Healthcare Celebrates with 10th Annual Steps to Wellness Luncheon
Meridian Healthcare has announced a 10th Annual Steps to Wellness Luncheon, a special milestone event that will celebrate both a decade of Steps to Wellness and more than 50 years of Meridian Healthcare serving North Central Florida. The fundraiser luncheon will be held on September 10, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Best Western Gateway Grand, 4200 NW 97th Blvd., Gainesville, FL 32606. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available online at MyMeridianHealthcare.org/steps-to-wellness.
North Central Florida is invited to celebrate this milestone event with Meridian. Alachua County and surrounding communities are encouraged to participate as anticipation builds for this historic event. Community members, local businesses, and corporate partners are invited to secure their ticket and sponsorships while opportunities remain available. This annual fundraiser is Meridian’s signature event that brings together community leaders, healthcare professionals, local supporters to advance and recognize the importance of mental health and wellness.
“This year’s Steps to Wellness is especially meaningful as we celebrate two important milestones,” said Lauren Cohn, CEO of Meridian Healthcare. “For over 50 years, Meridian has been dedicated to improving lives throughout North Central Florida, and for the last decade, Steps to Wellness has united our community around the importance of mental health, recovery, and hope. We invite everyone to join us as we honor our past and invest in a healthier future.”
The 2026 event will feature inspiring speakers, stories of impact, unique raffle items, and a look at how Meridian continues to meet the growing behavioral health needs of the region. Guests will also have the opportunity to participate in an exclusive auction benefiting The Retreat campaign at Meridian’s Gainesville campus. As the first sponsor of The Retreat Campaign, First Federal Bank has demonstrated extraordinary leadership in supporting mental health and wellness across our region. Meridian is proud to recognize their continued partnership and generous support of the 10th Annual Steps to Wellness Luncheon, helping advance a future where individuals and families have access to the care, resources, and hope they deserve.
Be Part of the Celebration
Attendees can choose from single tickets, table(s), and various sponsorship levels. Businesses and organizations looking to demonstrate their support and promotion of mental health and community wellness can participate through sponsorship levels ranging from $250 Supporter Sponsorships to the $5,000 Presenting Sponsor opportunity. Sponsorship benefits include event recognition, media exposure, website visibility, social media promotion, and additional engagement opportunities based on sponsorship level. Thank you to WellFlorida Council for becoming the first sponsor of Meridian’s 2026 Steps to Wellness event. We are grateful for their partnership and shared commitment to promoting health and wellness in our community.