Page 3 - Southern Exposure - February '21

Southern Exposure, Page 3

fundraiSinG eventS from page 1

Jessica McCarten Frank Cooney Cathy Law Kurt Gehring, Jessica Gehring

and it paid off – literally. We are grateful for the community’s Wednesday sponsors, including Pratt & Whitney and the by defying definitions, inspiring possibilities, and improving
generous response to provide continued support to clients and Gehring Group, assisted The Arc in surpassing their largest the lives of the people we serve, their families, and our
their families.” WILD Pants fundraising goal to date, helping individuals community. Since 1958, The Arc has envisioned a community
Tyson Mutchler took the championship belt and with disabilities live their fullest lives. where every person feels welcome, connected, and accepted.
bragging rights. Participants relied on social media and About The Arc Of Palm Beach County
personal outreach to achieve lofty fundraising goals. WILD The Arc is changing the conversation around disabilities Photos by Tracey Benson Photography

Be My Virtual Valentine!

2021 Connections Virtual Gala “Hearts & Hands” Today And Into The Future

Feb. 13 pandemic has negatively affected students of Connections Connections is doing for the lives of so many families in
Connections Education Center of the Palm Beaches and has exposed the vulnerability of the school’s families our community.
will host its annual fundraising event “Hearts & Hands”- to meet basic survival needs including food, clothing, Guests, both young and young-at-heart, will be treated
Today and Into the Future virtually this year on Feb. 13 housing, and connectivity. to entertainment by Karl Koppertop, a popular magician
at 7 p.m. This gala celebrates the students at Connections Honorary cochairs of the event are Carol Kaufman, during the night’s festivities. There will also be a special
and raises much needed funds to continue to provide Kathy Edenzon and Aura Ortiz. Michael Williams, news video presentation. It will feature how our programs and
the highest quality programs to individuals with autism anchor at WPTV News Channel 5 will serve as master supporters have affected the lives of our families.
spectrum disorder and related disabilities. The COVID-19 of ceremonies and share with guests the important work A special part of the evening’s virtual program will be
the recognition of outstanding members of the community
who graciously give of their time, talents and treasures
to benefit the families of Connections. The Champion
of Children Award will be given to three remarkable
honorees: Bruce Qvale and The Qvale Auto Group, Irwin
and Frances Edenzon, and Pamela Ludwick.
Tickets to the virtual “Hearts & Hands” Gala are $25
and with a $50 donation/ticket, guests will also receive a
Valentine’s Gift Box sent to their home. Please R.S.V.P.
to receive your private virtual event link. Call (561) 328-
6044 or email events@connectedpb.com. To learn more
about this event and/or sponsorship opportunities visit
www.connectedpb.com.
“The funds raised at this event are needed more than
ever,” said Debra Johnson, CEO/principal of Connections
Education Center of the Palm Beaches. “Your donation
will help with the many programs and services we provide
to our students and families. With only 70 percent of
education costs provided through state and federal
sources, we rely on our generous friends to fund the gap.
Your donations directly support a specially trained and
uniquely qualified team of teachers, therapists, fitness
specialists and medical professionals to maximize each
child’s potential through an individual, evidence-based
educational program that builds academic, social and
vocational skills.”
About Connections Education Center Of The Palm
Beaches
Connections Education Center of the Palm Beaches
has a growing, ongoing waiting list for parents eager to
join the school’s state of the art techniques and warm,
family-centered, supportive environment. In addition to
its elementary, middle- and high school-aged curriculum
– aligned strictly with state standards and the Florida
state standards access points – Connections Education
Center of the Palm Beaches offers a nurturing, stimulating
aftercare program; an exclusive water safety aquatics
program, and a vocational, workforce program armed
with strong community business partners opening doors
to help prepare its young adult students with real-world
experiences, for life after graduation.
To learn more about Connections Education Center of
the Palm Beaches, and/or make a donation, please call
(561) 328-6044, or visit www.connectedpb.com.