On February 28, 2026, Sounding Joy hosted our 3rd Annual Art of Hearing Gala at Coastal Creative in St. Petersburg—and it was our most successful event yet! Presented by the Donaldson Family Foundation, the evening was a powerful celebration of art, community, and the life-changing impact of hearing.

Together, our incredible community helped raise over $160,000 to support Sounding Joy’s mission to provide hearing aids and services to children whose families cannot afford them. This milestone represents our largest fundraising total to date and will help countless children access the hearing care they need to learn, connect, and thrive.

Highlights of the evening included:

  • A live painting experience by artist Alyssa Marie, who brought the theme of joyful sound to life on canvas. In a truly special moment, 8 year old Leandre, a child who wears hearing aids, joined Alyssa to help paint during the event. Leandre’s personal artwork was featured in the live auction, where Alyssa herself won the piece, investing in the next generation of young artists. Leandre also received a scholarship to Children’s Art Classes, covering weekly classes, all supplies, and registration fees, giving him the opportunity to express himself, learn new skills, and grow creatively in a fun and supportive studio.
  • A thrilling live auction featuring one-of-a-kind items and experiences, including a Tampa Bay Lightning package, trips to Europe, and wine tours to Sonoma.
  • An atmosphere of generosity and purpose, as guests came together in support of children’s hearing health.

A heartfelt thank you to our amazing sponsors:

  • The Donaldson Family Foundation
  • The Closet Envy in honor of Karrie Irish
  • DFCU Financial
  • Amalie Motor Oil
  • One Source Hearing
  • Rae Marshall with Netflix
  • Diamond Media Solutions
  • Matthews & Crist PLLC
  • Mills Mehr & Associates
  • Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital Foundation
  • Miter Brands

Shoutout to our Friends & Fans Sponsors: Florida Gold & Loan, Butch & Mary Ana Gilbert, Rock Solid Fitness, StayTampaBay.com, Healthier Stay, Audio Rehab Lab, Xinglu Li, Aura by ASC, and Lake Placid Noon Rotary Club.

And a special shoutout to our generous in-kind donors: American Social, Aura by ASC, Ava, Bascoms, Bellas, Bernini, Besito, Cara York with Organize & Simplify, LLC, Chad Chupka, Children’s Art Classes, Christy Vogel, Edina Remic, Florida Aquarium, Harpoon Harry’s, Hotel Haya, Jay Luigi, Karen Post, Le Nail, Maggianos, Malios, Nouvelle Beauty Bar, Patty Durrell, Pietro Monfreda, Predalina, Rooster & the Till, Seasons 52, Trattoria Pasquale, Westchase Golf Club, and Zoo Tampa.

From the bottom of our hearts—thank you. Because of you, more children will experience the joy of sound, the power of communication, and a lifetime of opportunity.