Page 10 - The Islander - October '23

Page 10, The Islander

In Your CommunItY

First Annual Fire Truck Pull

Raises $23,000 For Local Students With Autism

The 2023 Fire Truck Pull took place on Saturday, Sept. 2, at only a fun and challenging way to demonstrate
Gardens Park, bringing together teams from across Palm Beach strength, but also a meaningful opportunity to
County for an exciting competition and a great cause. The event show support for the Connections community.
aimed to test the strength and determination of participants, while Our students were thrilled to be part of the team
also raising funds for local students with autism who attend and to see so many people cheering them on.”
Connections, a nonprofit school in West Palm Beach. The Fire Truck Pull showcased the true
With the community rallying together, this first annual event spirit of unity and generosity as teams pushed
raised an impressive $23,000 for Connections. It also fostered a themselves to the limit, pulling a fire truck a
powerful sense of camaraderie among the participating teams, distance of 30 feet in the quickest time possible.
including groups from local fire departments, police, gyms, The Palm Beach Gardens Police Department
businesses, and even a team of students from Connections. emerged as the champions in the fastest pull
“We’re beyond grateful for the enthusiastic support of category, completing the challenge with an
the 2023 Fire Truck Pull,” says Debra Johnson, principal impressive time of just 11 seconds. In a second We won! Palm Beach Gardens Police
and executive director of Connections. “This event was not category – lowest combined weight pull – the
Palm Beach Gardens Fire Rescue team took top
honors by pulling the fire truck 30 feet within the
three-minute time limit with team members only
weighing a combined 772 pounds.
In addition to the athletic competition, the Fire
Truck Pull celebrated the spirit of philanthropy by
recognizing the teams and individuals who raised
the highest amount of funds for Connections. The
Z Squad, a team composed of young adults with
autism who attend Connections’ Adult Program,
emerged as the highest fundraising team. One of
their team members, Zach Edenzon, won top honors
Fit Psyched pulling as the highest fundraising individual.
The success of the 2023 Fire Truck Pull
is a testament to the incredible support and
generosity of the community across the Palm
Beaches. The event showcased the strength of
participants and highlighted the need to ensure
that quality services are accessible to local
students and young adults with autism.
Connections is grateful to the event sponsors:
Presenting Sponsor – CTA Media; Signature
Sponsor – the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s
Foundation; Refreshment Sponsor – Wawa; and DJ
Services Sponsor – Digital Vibez. This event also
would not have been possible without the generous
Connections pulling support of the Palm Beach Gardens Fire Rescue and
Palm Beach Gardens Parks and Recreation.
To learn more about this event, visit
connectedpb.com/fire-truck-pull.

In Your Community on page 11 Fire Truck Pull volunteers

Palm Beach Gardens Fire pulling

Palm Beach Gardens Fire and Police with trophies

Palm Beach Gardens Police pulling

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