Page 4 - The Islander - April '22

Page 4, The Islander

fundraiSing event

2022 Connections Gala ‘Hearts & Hands’…

An Evening Under The Stars

Raised Over $350,000 To Help Students With Autism And Related Disabilities

Connections Education
Center of the P alm
Beaches hosted its annual
fundraising event “Hearts
& Hands” … An Evening
Under the Stars, on Feb.
12, at the National Croquet
Center in West Palm Beach.
This gala celebrated the
students at Connections
and raised over $350,000 Nancy DiPierro and David
to continue to provide the Kunik
highest quality programs Chuck McGarrity and Brenda
to individuals with autism spectrum disorder and related Paola Herrera, Laura Pope and Carol Kaufman Michael and Leisa Williams McGarrity
disabilities.
Honorary Cochairs of the successful event were
Carol Kaufman, Laura Pope, and Paola Herrera. Michael
Williams, news anchor at WPTV News Channel 5, served
as master of ceremonies and shared with guests the
meaningful work Connections is doing for the lives of
so many families in our community.
A special part of the evening’s program recognized
outstanding members of the community who graciously
give of their time, talents, and treasures to benefit the
families of Connections. The Champion of Children
Award was given to three remarkable honorees. The Debra Johnson and Sonia Kay Frankie and Irwin Edenzon Drs. Sheldon Regenbaum and
community members that received this award included Caron Sanua-Regenbaum Robert Cruz, Paola Herrera
Brenda and Chuck McGarrity and corporate sponsor
Pediatric Partners. Connections’ Director of Operations
Jason Portman received the Everyday Hero award.
Guests of the evening enjoyed cocktails, music and
magician Karl Koppertop who entertained throughout
the night. Those in attendance also had the chance to
participate in the silent and live auction.
Sponsors included: The Pope Family, Koppelman
Family Foundation, First Republic Bank, Daniel and
Angela Japha, the Joe and Pasena Maroun Family
Foundation Trust, Henderson Insurance, Padula Bennardo
Levine, LLP and Tito’s Handmade Vodka.
“We are so grateful to everyone who attended and
supported our special event,” said Debra Johnson, CEO/
Principal of Connections Education Center of the Palm
Beaches. All the generous donations will help with the Michael Kaufman, Mikayla Matterazzo, Jason Portman, Caron Sanua-Regenbaum, Tommy Schectman, Susan
many programs and services we provide to our students Zachary Edenzon, Alexa Apicella, and Zachary Mortman Davenport, Caitlin Wells, Paola Herrera
and families. With only 70 percent of education costs
provided through state and federal sources, we rely on
our charitable friends to fund the gap.”
About Connections Education Center Of The Palm
Beaches
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Photos by Remelyn La Penia
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