Page 10 - The Islander - April '25

Page 10, The Islander

Fundraising EvEnt

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

BusinEss spotlight

HSS Florida Celebrates Five-Year Anniversary With Cocktail

Party And Announces Expansion Across South Florida

Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) proudly commemorates
the five-year anniversary of its flagship Florida location in
West Palm Beach. To celebrate this milestone, HSS hosted
a special celebration weekend on March 1, highlighted by
an exclusive cocktail reception at the oceanfront residence
of esteemed Palm Beach residents and hosts, Roberta and
Stanley Bogen. The event welcomed nearly 200 distinguished
guests in recognition of the profound impact HSS has had on
advancing orthopedic care in the region.
Since opening its state-of-the-art facility, HSS Florida
has established itself as a leader in world-class orthopedic
care, setting new benchmarks in musculoskeletal health.
The expansion into Florida was driven by a critical
need for specialized orthopedic services and a steadfast
commitment to delivering patient-centered excellence. Emily and Harold Bogle Bryan Kelly and Tara McCoy Aimee Merszei and Tara deBie Johnathan Tisch
“HSS has long been recognized as the global leader
in orthopedic care, and we are honored to extend that
legacy to Florida,” said Bryan T. Kelly, M.D., president
and CEO of HSS. “This anniversary is a testament to
our unwavering dedication to transforming lives through
pioneering treatments, groundbreaking research and
unparalleled patient care.”
“In just five years, we have built an extraordinary team
dedicated to delivering the gold standard in orthopedic
care,” said Tara McCoy, CEO of HSS Florida. “Our team’s
commitment to excellence is evident in the outcomes we
achieve, the trust we’ve built, and the continued support
of our community. We are grateful for the opportunity to
make a meaningful difference.”
Since its launch in 2020, HSS Florida has made
remarkable strides, including recruiting top-tier physicians, Barrie and Nick Somers Aaron and Julie Ford Debra and Rick Rieder Ellen and Lou Lugosch
achieving outstanding patient satisfaction scores,
implementing industry-leading infection prevention to setting a new benchmark for patient-centered care, Jupiter Satellite Office – Also this spring, HSS Florida
protocols and offering cutting-edge imaging services. The benefiting both local residents and elite athletes alike. will open a new satellite office in Jupiter, enhancing access
West Palm Beach facility includes four surgery suites and A key highlight of HSS Florida’s success includes to specialized care for residents in northern Palm Beach
provides a comprehensive suite of rehabilitation services performing complex procedures on professional and County. The facility will focus on key areas such as sports
to meet the growing demand for orthopedic care. Today, Olympic athletes, underscoring the trust placed in its medicine, spine and trauma.
the team comprises 14 full-time physicians dedicated expertise at the highest levels of competition. This UHealth Partnership in North Miami – In addition,
achievement reinforces HSS’s reputation for delivering HSS Florida has partnered with UHealth to develop a
world-class orthopedic care that elevates the standard of premier, co-branded ambulatory facility at the SoLé Mia
musculoskeletal treatment across the region. complex in North Miami. Opening in fall 2025, this will be
As part of its ongoing commitment to expansion and UHealth’s largest ambulatory center, featuring advanced
Captain’s was established in 1980 servicing innovation, HSS Florida is broadening its footprint with imaging, physician consultations, ambulatory surgeries
Palm Beach County and is a privately several key initiatives: and rehabilitation services—further extending access to
owned and managed company. HSS at NCH (Naples Comprehensive Health) in world-class orthopedic care.
Captain’s is committed to providing Naples – HSS is bringing the future of musculoskeletal HSS Florida remains committed to maintaining the
dependable, reliable and professional healthcare to Southwest Florida through an innovative exceptional standards of orthopedic excellence that define
ground transportation to and from all
South Florida Airports and Seaports. PBCVH212 partnership with Naples Comprehensive Health. Set to HSS in New York. Its physicians are at the forefront
To reserve your vehicle: open this spring, HSS at NCH will offer high-quality of cutting-edge advancements in musculoskeletal
561-798-2180 or 800-634-7890 www.captainsairport.com orthopedic services, including surgery, non-surgical
treatments, imaging and rehabilitation. Business Spotlight on page 12