Community
21st Annual Soundside Splendor Raises Record $424,000 for Children’s Home Society
Presented by the Sandy Sansing Family, the elegant waterfront gala at Portofino Island Resort drew more than 400 guests and shattered previous fundraising records for Northwest Florida children and families.
The Children’s Home Society of Florida celebrated a milestone moment Sunday night as the 21st Annual Soundside Splendor raised a record-breaking $424,000—the most the event has ever generated in its two-decade history. Held May 3 at the scenic Portofino Island Resort, the gala brought together more than 400 supporters for an evening of fine food, live music, and coastal elegance in service of Northwest Florida’s most vulnerable children and families.
The event was presented by the Sandy Sansing Family, whose sponsorship and advocacy have been central to Soundside Splendor’s growth and impact over the years.
A Night of Connection and Purpose
Guests gathered poolside at Portofino for an atmosphere that blended Pensacola’s natural beauty with the serious business of community support. Tables set against the resort’s waterfront backdrop set the scene for remarks from event leadership and CHS staff who spoke about the organization’s mission and the real-world difference donor dollars make.
CHS Greater Pensacola Executive Director Leah Harrison addressed the crowd, connecting the evening’s generosity to the lives of children and families served across the region.
Presenting sponsor Sandy Sansing also addressed guests, underscoring the personal commitment his family has made to Children’s Home Society and the broader Pensacola community.
The evening was chaired by Jennifer Smith, with Cathy Butler serving as vice-chair—both instrumental in organizing what has become one of the region’s signature philanthropic events.
Where the Money Goes
Proceeds from Soundside Splendor directly fund CHS programs serving children and families throughout Northwest Florida. The organization’s work spans what it calls a cradle-to-career approach—delivering services timed to where families are in their journey so more children grow up in homes that are safe, stable, and together.
About Children’s Home Society of Florida: CHS serves children and families across Florida with a continuum of programs including early childhood services, foster care and adoption, family support, and youth development. The Greater Pensacola office serves Escambia and surrounding counties in Northwest Florida.
The $424,000 raised this year represents the highest single-event total in Soundside Splendor’s 21-year history—a testament to the depth of community investment in CHS’s work and the continued leadership of sponsors, chairs, and donors who show up year after year.
By the Numbers
- $424,000 raised—a new event record
- 400+ guests attended the May 3 gala
- 21 years of Soundside Splendor supporting CHS in Northwest Florida
- Held at Portofino Island Resort on Pensacola Beach
- Presented by the Sandy Sansing Family
For more information about Children’s Home Society of Florida’s programs and services in Northwest Florida, visit chsfl.org.
