IN Sewickley Area Spring 2014 | Page 14

INEVENTS FRANK COONELLY OF SEWICKLEY CHOSEN AS HONORARY CHAIRPERSON OF AUTISM CONNECTION’S ANNUAL GALA 1 Autism Connection of PA (ACOP) hosted its 14th Annual Gala at Phipps Conservatory. The gala was attended by over 250 guests who enjoyed libations, hors d’oeuvres, dinner stations and live music in the inspiring botanical gardens. Sewickley resident Frank Coonelly, president of the Pittsburgh Pirates, was the 2014 honorary chairperson of the gala. One of the many reasons that ACOP chose Coonelly for this honor is that “he has been a longtime supporter of the autism community and he has also developed a remarkable grasp of our mission, continuously connecting us with people who need to learn more about autism.” For more information, visit the website at autism-support.org. 6 7 8 PHOTOS AND TEXT BY Kathy Rudolph 2 3 4 9 5 1. Debbie Coonelly and Frank Coonelly, of Sewickley, President of the Pittsburgh Pirates and the 2014 Honorary Chairperson of Autism Connection of PA’s 14th Annual Gala 2. MJ and Stephen Crane, of Sewickley, who were the Autism Connection of PA Gala organizers. 3. Luciana Randall, Executive Director of Autism Connection of PA, located in Etna. Dr. Charles Lockwood, President and CEO of Glade Run Lutheran Services with locations in Zelienople, Butler and Cranberry, who is Autism Connection of PA’s 2014 Grandin Award Winner. Rona Nesbit, of McCandless Township, Executive Vice President of The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and Autism Connection of PA’s 2014 Special Honoree. 4-5. Phipps Conservatory 6. Jennifer Modell, Esq., Autism Connection of PA’s Board Chair. Tricia Shelton, Ed.D., of Monroeville, who is Autism Connection of PA’s 2014 Grandin Award Finalist. Sharon Greene, of Westmoreland County, who is Autism Connection of PA’s 2014 Grandin Award Finalist 7 Vince Wallace 8. Marie Mambuca, Autism Connection of PA’s Family Support and . Outreach staff member. Jennifer Fulton, Autism Connection of PA’s Education and Family Support staff member. 9. George Williams 10. Tricia Shelton, Ed.D., of Monroeville, Autism Connection of PA’s 2014 Grandin Award finalist and Charles Shelton 12 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Sewickley Area 10