Sam Saifer Berngard: Director of Events

Tell us about your role?
I am the director of events for Splash, but I end up working with the Sun-Times Foundation on many event projects as well. To say I wear many hats is an understatement! I love it, though, because I am always learning something new. I have been in events for eight years now, but I have never had to be so on my toes as I am here. Planning a gala in a month? No problem! Planning a breakfast, luncheon, and cocktail party in the same day — bring it on."

What do you love the most about working at Splash?
"I love how you never know what is going to happen at any given moment. I walked in last Friday, and Jim Belushi and his entourage were just hanging out in our lobby. You never know who is going to walk in the door at the Sun-Times — the mayor, Jenny McCarthy, Lupe Fiasco? I just love meeting so many new people and really feeling like a part of the city in a strong way. Especially since the Sun-Times is such an institution here."

What's your favorite sweet treat from the candy room?
"Gummi Bears — they are my go-to for those crazy days when I just need a little sugar rush."

What has been your most memorable work moment so far?
"I absolutely loved planning our open house back in November when we were still brand new. People were blown away by our party as well as the publication. We had an amazing crowd, and I basically turned our Studio Café into a nightclub-style hot spot for the night. It felt great to share our story and what we are doing with so many people."

Rachel Handler: Associate Editor

Tell us about your role?
"I’m the newest member of the Splash team — I’ve been here just over a month. As the associate editor, I work with Molly to write cover stories and features and to edit every piece that ends up in the magazine."

What do you love the most about working at Splash?
"Our team is awesome. Everybody’s really supportive of one another and gets along really well."

What's your favorite sweet treat from the candy room?
"Definitely Swedish Fish. They only stock the red ones, which demonstrates real foresight."

What has been your most memorable work moment so far?
"During my first week here, I interviewed Emmy Rossum for our cover story. She was really sweet, funny, and articulate. And I threw her some curveballs, but she wasn’t fazed — in fact, at the end of the interview, she complimented my questions, which was awesome."

Samantha (left) is wearing a Zara jacket, Parker dress, Intermix necklace, and Brian Atwood shoes. Rachel is wearing a Forever 21 jacket, dress and shoes from a boutique in Brooklyn, and a thrift store necklace.