The following article appeared in the Aug. 1, 2025, edition of The Charlotte Ledger, an e-newsletter with smart and original local news for Charlotte. We offer free and paid subscription plans. More info here.
Isabella Santos Foundation trades tissues for TV stars with new fundraiser; ‘This is going to change how we do things,’ executive director says
by Lindsey Banks
For almost 20 years, the Isabella Santos Foundation has done what most charities do — hosted galas, organized 5Ks and put on networking events where supporters mingle and hear stories from families fighting pediatric cancer. And while those moments are powerful, they can also leave everyone — even the organizers — emotionally drained.
This year, ISF is switching things up. The traditional events aren’t going anywhere, but they’re making room for something new, and a whole lot more fun, said Executive Director Erin Santos-Primis. She founded the organization in 2007 to honor her daughter, Isabella, who passed away from cancer at 7 years old.
The Charlotte-based nonprofit will host an event called “Carolina Charm” this October to raise money for a fertility preservation program for pediatric cancer patients in Charlotte and Charleston hospitals. Guests will enjoy a “girls' night out” with Bravo TV personalities Shep Rose and Austen Kroll from “Southern Charm,” a reality show set in Charleston.
Santos-Primis was a fan of “Southern Charm” and had the idea to message the cast on Instagram one day to see if they would be interested in partnering on an event. They responded within an hour, Santos-Primis said, and so began Carolina Charm.
Held at Camp North End, the event will feature a live conversation with Rose and Kroll, themed cocktails and food, and opportunities for attendees to meet the stars. There will also be auctions for items like BravoCon tickets to help raise funds. Tickets go on sale Aug. 25 for $250, with a VIP option for $400 and group table options starting at $2,500.
Social media engagement for the event has already exceeded past events, Santos-Primis said, and they’ve had more interest from people who have never attended an ISF event. The foundation’s usual women’s coffee fundraiser typically raises about $200,000, and Carolina Charm is projected to bring in between $500,000 and $750,000.
The new model could permanently reshape how ISF approaches fundraising for future events, she said.
“For the first time in 18 years, we are building an event that is bringing new people to ISF,” Santos-Primis said. “This is going to change how we do things at ISF permanently.”
➡️ To find out more about Carolina Charm, including sponsorship opportunities, please visit Carolina-Charm.com. The event will be held on Oct. 23 at The Revelry Camp North End, 701 Keswick Ave., Charlotte. Tickets go on sale Aug. 25 for $250, or VIP for $400. Tables will also be available for $2,500 for 10 people, $3,000 for 12 people and $5,000 for a VIP table of 12 people.
Lindsey Banks is assistant editor for The Charlotte Ledger: [email protected].
Related Ledger articles:
“Erin Santos isn’t backing down” (March 11, 2024)
Need to sign up for this e-newsletter? We offer a free version, as well as paid memberships for full access to all 4 of our local newsletters:
The Charlotte Ledger is a locally owned media company that delivers smart and essential news. We strive for fairness and accuracy and will correct all known errors. The content reflects the independent editorial judgment of The Charlotte Ledger. Any advertising, paid marketing or sponsored content will be clearly labeled.
◼️ About The Ledger • Our Team • Website◼️ Newsletters • Podcast • Newcomer Guide • A Better You email series◼️ Subscribe • Sponsor • Events Board • Merch Store • Manage Your Account◼️ Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter, LinkedIn