Press
Press Releases
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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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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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 here. ​
Dec. 14, 2023
Connections Education Center of the Palm Beaches will hold the 6th Annual Hearts & Hands Gala on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, to raise crucial funds for specialized education and services for local students and adults with autism. The event — themed “Play It Forward” — will be held at the National Croquet Center in West Palm Beach. See full release.
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First Annual Fire Truck Pull Raises $23,000 for Local Students with Autism
The 2023 Fire Truck Pull took place on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, at Gardens Park, bringing together teams from across Palm Beach County for an exciting competition and a great cause. The event aimed to test the strength and determination of participants, while also raising funds for local students with autism who attend Connections, a nonprofit school in West Palm Beach. See full release.
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Aug. 21, 2023
2023 Fire Truck Pull Event in Palm Beach County to Benefit Local Nonprofit School
The highly anticipated 2023 Fire Truck Pull will take place Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, at the Gardens Park in Palm Beach Gardens. This fun event will bring together teams from across Palm Beach County to compete in a unique challenge of power and speed while also helping raise funds for Connections, a local nonprofit school for students with autism. See full release.
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April 19, 2023
Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office Visits Local Students with Autism
On Tuesday, April 18, 2023, members of the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office visited Connections Education Center of the Palm Beaches to educate students and young adults with autism about their role in the community. The officers and their therapy dogs met with students in small groups to discuss their duties as first responders and answer questions. See full release.
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April 14, 2023
Local School for Students With Autism Aims to Draw the Line on Drowning
Children with autism are 160 times more likely to drown than their neurotypical peers, according to the Autism Society of Florida. During Autism Acceptance Month, Connections Education Center of the Palm Beaches is working to bring awareness to this key issue through their Draw the Line on Drowning campaign that provides helpful information and raises funds for swim lessons. See full release.
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March 22, 2023
Florida Panthers to Host Hockey Clinic for Special Needs Students at Connections Education Center
Florida Panthers staff members will share their love of hockey with local special needs students at Connections Education Center during an interactive clinic Thursday, March 30, from 10 a.m. to noon.
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Panthers staff members will visit Connections in West Palm Beach for this special clinic using floorball equipment tailored for the students, who have autism and related disabilities. Students in various grades will learn more about the game of hockey and see how it can be part of an active lifestyle. There will also be a Super Fan who will motivate and cheer on the children during this fun and educational program.
March 8, 2023
Hearts & Hands Gala Raises a Record $480,000 to Benefit Connections School for Autism
Local autism advocates helped raise $480,000 at the sold-out 7th Annual Hearts & Hands Gala in February 2023 to benefit the Connections Education Center of the Palm Beaches, a nonprofit school for students with autism and related disorders.
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Attendees enjoyed a cocktail reception, live music from students at the Lynn University Conservatory of Music, dinner, dancing with the Krush Party Band, a silent auction and a celebration of the progress students are making while attending Connections. See full release.
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Jan. 19, 2023
Local Nonprofit School to Hold Annual Gala Supporting Education for Students With Autism
Connections Education Center of the Palm Beaches will hold the 7th Annual Hearts & Hands Gala on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023, to raise funds for specialized education and therapies for local students with autism and related disorders. The event will be held at the National Croquet Center in West Palm Beach.
The event will feature a cocktail reception, live music, dancing, dinner, a silent auction and a celebration of the progress students are making while attending Connections. See full release.
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Honoree Debra Johnson
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Nov. 14, 2022
Local Parents Invited to Water Safety Class at Connections Education Center
More children ages 1 to 4 years drown in Florida than in any other state, according to the Florida Department of Health. For children with autism, drowning is the top cause of death.
That’s why two local organizations are teaming up to present a free class where parents and caregivers can learn the latest strategies for keeping children safe near water. See full release.
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