54 | VIPPensacola.com
O
n Thursday April 27, Autism Pensacola held their 14th annual Connecting the
Pieces Gala themed “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” at Sanders Beach- Corrine Jones
Resource Center. This year’s hosts were Dr. Brett and Rocky Para, and Grover and
Jill Robinson. The annual “Connecting the Pieces” Gala is the major fundraiser
which allows API to address the varied needs of both the local individuals on the autism
spectrum and their families, as well as increasing awareness to make our community a safer
and more accepting place. Attendees of the event enjoyed dinner and an open bar along with a
silent and a live auction. All proceeds from this year’s gala go to directly support local programs,
including the nationally recognized Kids for Camp summer learning lab.
For more information on how you can help Autism Pensacola and to see upcoming events,
visit them at www.AutismPensacola.org.
Connecting the Pieces
photos and story by
Rebecca Hutton
Lori McMillion & Mary Carter
Allison Gilmore & Kelly Dempsey
Kim Bernstein & Jill Robinson
Linda & Foster Ware
Krista & Sgt. Jimmy Donohoe
Nick & Ashley Mead
Austin Powell, Jessica Hackathron, Michelle Cruthfi eld & Joanna Colbeck
VIP Pensacola at Sanders Beach
XX-XX Events_ConnectingThePieces.indd 1
5/22/17 5:13 PM