Local couple commits $1 million to support Wellstar Golisano CHOG

Augusta business leaders and philanthropists Allan and Ursula Soto have committed $1 million to support the Kisner Foundation & Friends Pediatric Development, Behavioral Health & Wellness Center at Wellstar Golisano Children’s Hospital of Georgia, helping expand access to developmental and behavioral healthcare for children and families across the region. The children’s hospital in Augusta is Georgia’s second-largest, providing everything from routine pediatric services to highly specialized treatment, including the highest level of neonatal and pediatric intensive care.

The gift will support key initiatives within the Kisner Center, including expanded autism diagnostic services, stronger collaboration with families and community partners, and the Family Navigator initiative, which helps guide families from referral through diagnosis and post-diagnostic care.

The commitment closely aligns with the Sotos’ philanthropic priorities and their work through Vinea Capital, the Augusta-based private investment firm founded by Allan Soto. Vinea’s portfolio includes ABLE Kids, which provides ABA, speech and occupational therapy services to young children with autism across Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. Founded more than a decade ago, ABLE Kids has been at the forefront of early intervention services for young children diagnosed with autism.

Through ABLE Kids, the Sotos have seen firsthand the challenges families can face in obtaining a diagnosis, understanding what comes next and connecting with appropriate services.

“Families need more than a diagnosis – they need a clear path forward,” said Allan Soto. “Through our work in pediatric healthcare, we understand how important early access, strong family support and connection to care can be. Ursula and I believe the Kisner Center can have a tremendous impact on families throughout this region.”

The commitment reflects a broader philosophy that has shaped both the Sotos’ philanthropy and Vinea Capital’s growth: investing in organizations that create long-term value while strengthening the communities they serve.

“Augusta is where we have built our businesses and raised our family,” Soto said. “Being able to invest back into this community – particularly in something that can change the trajectory of a child’s life – is incredibly meaningful to us.”

Wellstar serves communities as a non-profit health system, providing more than $1 billion annually in charity care and community programs, and operating the largest integrated trauma network in Georgia. Wellstar embraces innovation and technology and helps train future generations of caregivers through its partnership with the Medical College of Georgia and other academic institutions. Wellstar honors every voice and is one of the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For.