The Children’s Home Society of Florida (CHS) celebrated its partners and donors during its Annual Community Influencers Luncheon.
Recognizing Outstanding Service
Jessica Jensen received Volunteer of the Year recognition for more than a decade of leadership helping grow Soundside Splendor into a record-breaking $400,000 fundraising event. State Senator Don Gaetz was named Regional Legislator of the Year for his longstanding advocacy, including foundational support for Community Partnership Schools. Florida Blue earned the R. David & Lorraine Thomas Child Advocate of the Year award for their comprehensive commitment to children’s health and success both locally and statewide, with representatives Hong Potomski and Leslie Moland accepting the honor.
The luncheon also celebrated numerous community partners whose ongoing commitments power CHS programs across Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. Recognition went to Jennifer Demps for creating calming, intentionally designed therapy spaces for the Ashley Offerdahl Counseling Program; Deborah and John Roche for steadfast support of CHS FIRST in Santa Rosa County; Grace Resendez McCaffery for championing Healthy Families Escambia’s work with Hispanic families; and Dr. Debbie Boland of Boland Neurology for opening career development pathways through YouthWorks.
Additional honorees included Barbara MacNeil of Loyalty Credit Union for providing financial literacy education in Community Partnership Schools, the City of Pensacola for supporting Hand Up for Youth services, and the Escambia Children’s Trust for continued investment in Navigator services.
Major Gift Highlights Sustained Philanthropy
The event’s centerpiece was a significant $100,000 donation from the Sandy Sansing Family, bringing their lifetime contributions to CHS beyond $700,000 over 27 years of partnership. This latest gift will strengthen in-home abuse prevention, expand Community Partnership Schools engagement at facilities like C.A. Weis, and bolster housing interventions for homeless youth.
“We love the ministry of Children’s Home Society because they are helping children,” said Sandy Sansing. “So many children need food, protection, and shelter. They need someone who cares, somebody to love them and to know they’re needed and wanted in this life.”
Executive Director Leah Harrison expressed profound gratitude: “They are truly a part of our family at CHS. For 27 years, they have partnered with us in empowering children and families in our communities, helping ensure that vital services are available when children and families need them most.”