Shirley Skolnick and Connie Otero helped raised money to buy Apple iPads for
students at the South Florida Autism Charter School.
Students at the South Florida Autism Charter School (SFACS) in Hialeah now have additional technology at their fingertips, thanks to the generous donation of seniors from The Palace Royale, an assisted living community in Kendall.
The residents, members of the community’s “Make-a-Difference Club,” recently donated brand new Apple iPads to the school with a mission to provide education and services to individuals with autism spectrum disorders in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.
“One of our residents, Georgina Roces, attended a club meeting and shared a photo of her grandson who attended SFACS. She also mentioned the school’s wish list for their special needs students,” explained Pamela Parker, director of social activities. “The group voted and decided to make this wonderful school their next project.”
Throughout the summer, “Make-a- Difference Club” members sold candy on Friday’s in The Palace Royale’s lobby to raise money to buy the iPads for the school. Roces joined the ladies each week — accompanied by the photo of her grandson — to educate candy purchasers about autism and the exceptional education provided by SFACS.
“Unfortunately Mrs. Roces became ill during the fundraising efforts,” Parker said. “The club held a lovely reception for her, where she was joined by family and neighbors. She was presented with a beautiful plaque which now hangs at SFACS.”
On Saturday, Aug. 18, the “Make-a- Difference Club” members’ hard work culminated with an emotional presentation ceremony, held in memory of Roces. Four Apple iPads, each engraved with “A Gift to the Students of SFACS from The Palace Royale,” were donated to SFACS. Students, teachers and parents attended the event.
“The Palace is so proud of this amazing group of residents who continue to give their time and talents to noteworthy causes throughout South Florida,” said Helen Shaham, president of The Palace Group. “They illustrate that age isn’t a limitation and are already hard at work raising funds to support another charitable organization.”
Located at 11355 SW 84 St., The Palace Royale features “catered living,” a new concept offering all the services of traditional assisted living with special emphasis on residents’ cognitive abilities.
For more information, call 305-270- 7000 or visit online at www.ThePalace.org
