Hessel Family Foundation Awards “Key to Kindness” to Autism Inspired Academy Staff at Clearwater Invitational
Clearwater, Fla. (February 15, 2025) – The Hessel Family Foundation founders Robert and Tajila Hessel proudly hosted a heartwarming celebration at the Hero’s Hangout Hospitality Tent during the Shriners Children’s Women’s Softball Clearwater Invitational. The event brought together the dedicated staff of the Autism Inspired Academy (AIA) and the Keys to Kindness nonprofit, honoring AIA staff for their extraordinary contributions to the community and to children with autism.
The event was a special occasion, as Keys to Kindness awarded its third-ever “Key to Kindness” to the AIA staff and directors. The Key was presented to Cher Harris and Liz Russell, co-founders of Autism Inspired Academy, for their tireless efforts in supporting and teaching children with autism.
Cher Harris, accompanied by Ronen, a remarkable AIA student who plays four different sports and has a passion for women’s college softball, was in attendance. Also present was Sharri Cagle and her children from Keys to Kindness, who shared the celebration and spirit of the day.
The Hero’s Hangout Hospitality Tent served as a gathering place for AIA and Keys to Kindness staff and their families to enjoy a memorable day at the ballpark. Free food and drinks were provided, along with a warm atmosphere of appreciation and recognition for the hard work and commitment of the AIA team.
“We wanted to celebrate the Autism Inspired Academy staff as true heroes in our community,” said Sharri Cagle, founder of Keys to Kindness. “Their dedication to helping children with autism navigate life and learn in a supportive environment is inspiring. The ‘Key to Kindness’ is a symbol of the immense gratitude we have for their work and impact.”
This celebration was part of the Clearwater Invitational’s larger effort to honor local heroes and uplift the communities they serve. By recognizing the essential role that the AIA staff plays in the lives of students and their families, this event highlighted the importance of kindness, compassion, and inclusion in everyday life.
“True kindness is not only about giving; it’s about empowering those who need it most to realize their full potential. The Autism Inspired Academy exemplifies this every day, showing the world how dedication, compassion, and empowerment can transform lives. We are proud to support their unwavering commitment to fostering an environment where individuals are empowered to succeed and thrive,” said Robert Hessel.
Hessel added, “We want to give special thanks to Executive Director Scott Glaser of ESPN Events and the Shriners Children’s Clearwater Softball Invitational for hosting such an amazing event and helping to coordinate and bring to life our Hero’s Hangout Hospitality Tent for this special day!”
About The Hessel Family Foundation
The Hessel Family Foundation was founded by Robert and Tajila Hessel with a mission to support individuals with autism and their families. Inspired by his daughter Mia, who is autistic, Robert and Tajila recognized the need for a more inclusive world and established the foundation to bridge the gap. By partnering with organizations that share the vision of inclusion and support, the foundation works to create lasting change in the autism community. Through initiatives focused on education, inclusion, and access to resources, The Hessel Family Foundation strives to empower individuals with autism to lead fulfilling lives.
About Autism Inspired Academy: Autism Inspired Academy (AIA) is a school dedicated to providing children with autism in an environment where they can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Founded by Cher Harris and Liz Russell, AIA focuses on individualized instruction and support to help each child reach their fullest potential.
About Keys to Kindness: Keys to Kindness is a nonprofit organization that seeks to recognize and honor individuals and organizations who demonstrate kindness, empathy, and selflessness in their communities. Through initiatives like the “Key to Kindness” award, the organization aims to spread a message of positivity and encourage others to give back.
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