Page 14 - Southern Exposure - April '25

Page 14, Southern Exposure

fundraiSing event from page 13 • Jody and Howard Passov of Palm Beach Gardens generosity and advocacy have directly transformed the
– Recognized for their unwavering dedication to lives of our students and adult clients, paving the way for
Connections serves a population that often lacks access to key Connections’ students and families. even greater achievements in the years to come.”
services, with 85 percent of students living below the poverty line • Dr. Sonia Kay of Palm Beach Gardens – Honored for For more information about Connections or this event,
and nearly 50 percent residing in single-parent or grandparent-led her pivotal role in advancing programs for individuals please visit connectedpb.com.
households. The organization depends on donor support to bridge with autism. About Connections
the 30 percent funding gap between public funding and the actual • BallenIsles Charities Foundation – A longtime Connections is a nonprofit educational center that
cost of delivering essential services to individuals with autism. supporter funding technology and educational resources delivers specialized education, therapies, vocational
At the event, special guests included Palm Beach Gardens for Connections’ students. training and life-skills development for students with
Fire Rescue Fire Chief Keith Bryer and Deputy Fire Chief • Extraordinary Charities – Recognized for opening new autism in Palm Beach County. The organization serves
James Ippolito. WPTV anchor Michael Williams served as opportunities in culinary training and independent-living students ages 3 to 22 and offers an innovative day program
master of ceremonies, and special honorees were recognized skills for students. for adults with autism. Learn more at connectedpb.com.
for their significant contributions to the school’s mission. The “Our 2025 honorees have been instrumental in shaping
2025 honorees included: Connections’ first decade of success,” says Johnson. “Their

Ballet Palm Beach Raises Over $375,000 During

‘A Night In Monte Carlo’ Annual Gala At The Breakers

High-rolling fun Throughout the multicourse, sumptuous dinner, Ballet The evening event sponsors included American
was had by all during Palm Beach Founding Artistic and Executive Director Humane, Robin Ganzert; Bank of America, Michelle
the Ballet Palm Beach Colleen Smith spoke about the organization’s mission and Woodward Middleton; Comerica, Michele and Karl
(BPB) “A Night in to preserve the art of classical ballet and to serve as an Ruppert; Lora and Fred Drasner; Florida Power and Light,
Monte Carlo” annual incubator for future talent with its academy. Guests were Heidi and Don Kiselewski; Erin and Sean McGould; Anka
gala on Jan. 29 at The then treated to company dancers performing breathtaking Palitz; Evelyn and Michael Treacy; Evercore Wealth
Breakers Palm Beach. select works from the ballet’s upcoming production of The Management; Legends Radio; Virginia and John Gildea;
The premier event Great Gatsby. Ruchi New York; The Royal Poinciana Plaza; and Tux
raised over $375,000 Auctioneer Jay Zeager then led the bidding on a host of Shop Palm Beach.
f o r Pa l m B e a c h fabulous outings, which included an all-expense paid trip For more information about the professional company
County’s professional to Monte Carlo, replete with curated excursions provided or its school, Ballet Palm Beach Academy, or to support
ballet company. by the attending Honorary Consul General of Monaco, BPB’s outreach efforts call (561) 630-8235 or visit www.
Nearly 300 Tom Ambreu. balletpalmbeach.org.
supporters anted up Following additional remarks and support from Steve Images by Capehart Photography
during the casino- Caras, Smith thanked the guests for attending and invited
themed cocktail hour everyone to see the upcoming Ballet Palm Beach productions
in the Mediterranean of The Great Gatsby at the Kravis Center, Feb. 28 to March
Courtyard before Anka Palitz with Consul General 2 and The Sleeping Beauty from April 17 to 19. Guests were
adjoining to dinner. Tom Ambreu and Mrs. Ambreu then led to the dance floor by the Ballet Palm Beach dancers
Honorary Cochairs to continue the revels accompanied by The Switzer Sound
Anka Palitz, Lora Drasner, Evelyn Treacy and Erin and tenor Skylar Peterson.
McGould were escorted in by tuxedo-clad company
dancers who then took the floor with a James Bond-themed
dance, complete with golden “guns” firing confetti into the
air at the exciting finale.

Evelyn Treacy, Lora Drasner, Erin McGould and Anka Palitz

Dr. Robert Fishel, Ann Fisher and Chase Thomas Fundraising Event on page 15

Todd and Brandie Herbst Virginia and John Gildea

Michelle and Karl Ruppert Steve Caras and Colleen Smith

Heather and Ryan Kriser Jean and Martin Shafiroff