What started as a conversation among a small group of Pensacola Beach Elementary School parents has grown into a community-wide celebration that welcomes supporters from across the Gulf Coast. Toast on the Coast, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, was created by parents who recognized a need—and believed that the broader community would rally behind a good cause.
Like many charter schools, Pensacola Beach Elementary faces unique funding challenges and does not receive the same level of financial support as traditional public schools. While the school sits on one of the most iconic stretches of coastline in Florida, the misconception that “the beach school has everything it needs” often overshadows the real financial gaps the school must overcome each year. In reality, PBES depends on donations, local partnerships, and community involvement to continue providing high-quality programs and opportunities for its students.
The group behind Toast on the Coast wanted to create something that reached far beyond the school’s parent circle—a signature Gulf Coast event that brings together locals, businesses, and families who simply want to help children thrive. With that vision, Toast on the Coast was born.
Last year’s inaugural fundraiser—a coastal oyster-themed gala held at the Fairfield Inn & Suites—featured a live auction, silent auction, and a Beré Jewelers raffle, raising an impressive $30,000 for Pensacola Beach Elementary School. The success of the event proved what the founders believed from the beginning: when the community comes together, incredible things can happen. This year, Toast on the Coast hopes to double that impact with a goal of $60,000.
The 2026 Toast on the Coast will take place on Sunday, April 26th from 4–8 PM, with Portofino Island Resort serving as the Hosting Sponsor. Guests from throughout Pensacola, Gulf Breeze, Navarre, and beyond are invited to step into a glamorous Riviera Soirée inspired by the French and Italian Riviera. The evening will be led by MCs Christina Leavingworth and Allen Strum, feature a live painting by artist Kelly Wibbs to be auctioned off during the event, and include live music by She and The Its. Attendees will enjoy Mediterranean-inspired colors, delicious food, handcrafted cocktails, and both silent and live auctions — all set against the stunning backdrop of Pensacola Beach.
Toast on the Coast President, Sara Cordle shared how meaningful the support has been:
“It has been such a pleasure to be surrounded by amazing women who want the very best for our school. We’ve watched parents, businesses, and community members come together—donating their services, their time, and their talents — to help our sweet school become even better than the year before. The support has been incredible.”
Pensacola Beach Elementary School kindergarten teacher, Katie Hine shared what this organization means to her and the school:
“Toast on the Coast has done so much for our little school on the sand!!! It has given us money to care for our campus and for the people that walk the breezeways each day.
Along with a school wide donation, each staff member was given an allowance to spend on what they need for their position. Personally, I was able to use $300 to help grow a local kids-and-tech campaign that I am passionate about.
The TOTC event allows families, educators, and neighbors to gather for a shared purpose — to help give these beach kids the best start possible. They matter, their education matters, and the dreams they have matter. What could be better than to gather at a beautiful location, enjoy a night full of fun and camaraderie, and support that mission?
We feel so blessed to be the beneficiaries of this amazing event and are so excited about Year #2!”
The organizers emphasize that everyone in the community is invited, whether or not they have a child at PBES. Toast on the Coast is intentionally designed to be a night of fun, elegance, and connection for anyone who loves supporting local kids and strengthening our Gulf Coast community.
Tickets and sponsorship tables are now available, and every dollar raised goes directly to enhance educational opportunities for the students of Pensacola Beach Elementary School.
For the families and volunteers behind Toast on the Coast, the mission remains simple: every dollar counts, and every dollar makes a difference. Together—with the help of the entire community—they are proving just how powerful that difference can be.
For more information, to purchase tickets, tables or to donate for the auction visit: www.toastonthecoast.org
