Press
Press Releases
Feb. 18, 2025
The 2025 Hearts & Hands Gala set a new fundraising record, raising $645,000 to support students and adults with autism at Connections, a nonprofit school in West Palm Beach. Held on Feb. 8, 2025, at the National Croquet Center, the event brought together community leaders, philanthropists and autism advocates for a night of impact and celebration. See full release.
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👉 See and Download Photos on Event Page​
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Nov. 14, 2024
Connections Education Center Elects New Board Officers to Lead Expansion for Students with Autism
Connections Education Center of the Palm Beaches, a Title I nonprofit school dedicated to empowering students with autism, announces the election of new officers to its board of directors who will lead the school during a pivotal expansion. Michael Kridel of Delray Beach will serve as president/chair, Valerie Silverman of West Palm Beach as secretary and Anthony Greene of Palm Beach Gardens as treasurer. Each brings extensive experience in corporate and nonprofit leadership as well as a deep commitment to the school’s mission. See full release.
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👉 Download Photos (left to right — Michael Kridel, CPA; Valerie Silverman; Anthony Greene):​
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Sept. 30, 2024
​The community is invited to join local autism supporters for an evening of celebration and philanthropy at the 2025 Hearts & Hands Gala that will be held Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, at the National Croquet Center in West Palm Beach. This year’s event celebrates 10 Years of Transformation, marking a decade of life-changing education and services at Connections. See full release.
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Sept. 4, 2024
Community Rallies at 2024 Fire Truck Pull, Raising $26,500 for Autism Support
The 2024 Fire Truck Pull, held Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Gardens Park in Palm Beach Gardens, brought together teams of first responders, business leaders, college athletes and more for a day of competition and philanthropy. This year’s event raised an impressive $26,500 to benefit students and adults with autism who attend Connections Education Center, a nonprofit school in West Palm Beach. See full release.
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👉 See and download event photos here. ​
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Aug. 15, 2024
See Local Teams Compete to Pull a 30,000-lb. Fire Truck to Support Students with Autism
Excitement is building for the 2024 Fire Truck Pull, coming up Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Gardens Park in Palm Beach Gardens. This thrilling event will bring together teams of first responders, homebuilders, business owners and educators from across Palm Beach County to compete in a unique physical challenge while helping raise funds for students with autism who attend Connections Education Center, a local nonprofit school. See full release.
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Photo credit: Connections Education Center
June 18, 2024
Get ready for an adrenaline-pumping challenge! Local competitors and autism supporters are invited to the 2024 Fire Truck Pull on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at the Gardens Park in Palm Beach Gardens. Registration is now open for this fun event that will bring together teams from across South Florida to compete in a unique challenge of power and speed while also helping raise funds for Connections Education Center, a local nonprofit school for students with autism. See full release. ​
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April 30, 2024
Adaptive Swim Lesson Demonstrations Rescheduled Due to Inclement Weather
Due to inclement weather, the adaptive swim lesson demonstrations scheduled for today at Lake Lytal Family Aquatic Center in West Palm Beach have been rescheduled. Demonstrations will begin Wednesday, May 1, 2024, 9:45-10:30 a.m. and will continue May 2, 3 and 7, 2024, at the same time. See full release. ​
April 11, 2024
Local Nonprofit Takes Action to Reduce the Risk of Autism-Related Drownings
Children with autism face a staggering statistic: They are 160 times more likely to drown than their neurotypical peers, according to the Autism Society of Florida. In response to this critical issue, Connections Education Center of the Palm Beaches, a nonprofit school in West Palm Beach dedicated to serving children with autism, is stepping up during Autism Awareness Month this April to reduce the risk. See full release and details on the Draw the Line on Drowning campaign.
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Event Graphics:
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Feb. 21, 2024
Hearts & Hands Gala Raises a Record $530,500 to Benefit Connections School for Autism
The 6th Annual Hearts & Hands Gala held Feb. 17, 2024, raised a record amount of $530,500 for local students and adults with autism who attend Connections nonprofit school in West Palm Beach. Proceeds from the gala, which was held at the National Croquet Center, will fund specialized education, vital therapies and important family resource programs. See full release.
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👉 See and download event photos. ​
👉 See previous press releases.​