Local artist Sherry Waldman is turning surfboards into works of art in support of behavioral healthcare in Flagler County. Waldman is creating five unique art pieces on surfboards to be auctioned at the SMA Healthcare Foundation’s second annual Gala of Light on Saturday, November 7, 2026.
The five one-of-a-kind pieces will give guests an opportunity to bid on original artwork by a Flagler County artist while supporting SMA Healthcare’s local programs and services. Waldman’s contribution brings a distinctly coastal element to an evening dedicated to community connection and recovery.
Based in Palm Coast, Waldman is a local artist and educator whose ocean-inspired work includes using surfboards as canvases.
“We are thrilled that Sherry is sharing her talent through these five unique surfboard artworks,” said Susan Rode, Executive Director of the SMA Healthcare Foundation. “Her generous contribution brings a special coastal connection to the Gala of Light and gives our guests a meaningful way to support behavioral healthcare in Flagler County.”
For more information about Waldman and her artwork, visit Sherry Waldman’s artist website.
The Gala of Light will bring the Flagler County community together in support of SMA Healthcare’s behavioral health programs and services. The evening will also recognize Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly as the 2026 Impact Award honoree for his work to expand access to crisis care and strengthen community partnerships that support recovery. Local Businessman Robbie Barrick will receive the 2026 Phoenix Award.
Proceeds from this year’s Gala will support SMA Healthcare’s work in Flagler County, including the Flagler Integrative Services Unit (ISU) and its crisis and residential services. The evening will also highlight SMA Healthcare’s growing presence in the county and the community partnerships helping make that work possible.
For more information about the event or ways to support it, please reach out to Susan Capone Rode, Executive Director, SMA Healthcare Foundation, srode@smahealthcare.org.
Individual tickets are on sale, $350. To purchase, visit: https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E159125&id=27
About the SMA Healthcare Foundation
SMA Healthcare Foundation was founded by Jim Foster at the request of Hal Marchman in 1997. The Foundation is focused on building the resources to complement the programs of SMA Healthcare, conduct behavioral healthcare research and community education. The volunteer board of directors is comprised of leading professionals, business leaders, and citizens from the Volusia, Flagler, Putnam, Marion, Citrus and St. Johns area. The Foundation’s sole mission is to build resources, public awareness, and research to support the programs of SMA Healthcare, the leading non-profit behavioral healthcare organization in the six-county area.
SMA Healthcare Foundation (f/k/a Stewart-Marchman-Act Foundation) is a 501C-3 corporation and is eligible for tax-exempted contributions by the US. Internal Revenue Service. They accept cash donations, stocks and securities, as well as land and property. They can be found online at www.SMAHFoundation.org or reached via telephone at 386-254-1139.
About SMA Healthcare
SMA Healthcare is a leader in behavioral healthcare and has over 60 years of experience providing exceptional and comprehensive services to individuals living with addiction, mental illness or both. We offer a wide array of services in Citrus, Flagler, Marion, Putnam, St. Johns and Volusia Counties, which include the following: Prevention, Crisis, Residential, Outpatient, Justice Services, Specialty & Other Services, and Community Outreach & Education. Services vary by location, so please contact our Access Center 24/7 at 800-539-4228 for more information.
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