Page 4 - Lifestyles in Palm Beach Gardens - April '25

Page 4, Lifestyles in Palm Beach Gardens
Hearts & Hands Gala Raises A Record-Breaking $645,000

To Support Local Students And Adults With Autism

The 2025 Hearts & Hands Gala set a new fundraising empower individuals with autism. “This year’s gala was • Dr. Sonia Kay of Palm Beach Gardens – Honored for
record, raising $645,000 to support students and adults more than a milestone. It was a celebration of 10 years her pivotal role in advancing programs for individuals
with autism at Connections, a nonprofit school in West of transformation for our school and the 140 individuals with autism.
Palm Beach. Held on Feb. 8, at the National Croquet we serve,” says Debra Johnson, executive director • BallenIsles Charities Foundation – A longtime
Center, the event brought together community leaders, and principal of Connections. “The generosity of our supporter funding technology and educational resources
philanthropists and autism advocates for a night of impact supporters helps us create brighter futures for some of for Connections’ students.
and celebration. the most underserved members of our community.” • Extraordinary Charities – Recognized for opening
This year’s gala marked Connections’ 10th anniversary, Connections serves a population that often lacks access new opportunities in culinary training and independent-
a milestone in the school’s mission to provide specialized to key services, with 85 percent of students living below living skills for students.
education, therapies and life-skills programs that the poverty line and nearly 50 percent residing in single- “Our 2025 honorees have been instrumental in shaping
parent or grandparent-led households. The organization Connections’ first decade of success,” says Johnson.
depends on donor support to bridge the 30 percent “Their generosity and advocacy have directly transformed
funding gap between public funding and the actual cost the lives of our students and adult clients, paving the way
of delivering essential services to individuals with autism. for even greater achievements in the years to come.”
At the event, special guests included Palm Beach For more information about Connections or this event,
Gardens Fire Rescue Fire Chief Keith Bryer and please visit connectedpb.com.
Deputy Fire Chief James Ippolito. WPTV anchor About Connections
Michael Williams served as master of ceremonies, and Connections is a nonprofit educational center that
special honorees were recognized for their significant delivers specialized education, therapies, vocational
contributions to the school’s mission. The 2025 honorees training and life-skills development for students with
included: autism in Palm Beach County. The organization serves
• Jody and Howard Passov of Palm Beach Gardens students ages 3 to 22 and offers an innovative day program
– Recognized for their unwavering dedication to for adults with autism. Learn more at connectedpb.com.
Connections’ students and families.

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