In a heartwarming and unforgettable moment, the Stanley Cup made a surprise appearance at ABA Centers of Florida’s autism care clinic in Boca Raton this morning, bringing excitement, inspiration, and pure joy to dozens of children, families, and staff members.
Escorted by the Florida Panthers mascots, Stanley C. Panther and Viktor E. Rat, the legendary trophy arrived to a sea of young, wide-eyed onlookers, which for some marked their first exposure to professional sports – an experience that undoubtedly left a lasting positive impression.
“This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for our kids. Many of the children we serve face daily challenges, but today was about celebration, possibility, and inclusion,” said Christopher Barnett, Founder & Chairman of ABA Centers. “The Stanley Cup’s visit lit up our center with joy and ABA Centers of Florida is honored to have been a partner in the Panthers’ during their back-to-back championship journey.”
The surprise visit was coordinated as a special celebration for the “Panthers on the Prowl” statues that ABA Centers of Florida unveiled at the event in a powerful display of community-building to support the American Cancer Society. “Panthers on the Prowl” is a one-of-a-kind fundraiser benefiting the American Cancer Society, proudly championed by Bill and Julie Zito. This exciting initiative brings together art, community, and philanthropy to support cancer research and patient services, while celebrating Florida’s iconic wildlife and hockey pride.
Emerging artist Madison Barnett realized the initial artistic concept of the three “Panthers on the Prowl” statues to be displayed. A South Florida native studying costume design at the distinguished New York University and a high-functioning person with autism herself, Miss Barnett ideated a design that would be both texturally and visually stimulating – and could be used as an immersive experience for others to make their own artistic statements. At the event, ABA Centers of Florida provided its young clients with the opportunity to add their own creative embellishments to the statues to complete the design process.
For ABA Centers of Florida, the larger-than-life statues celebrate neurodiversity and aim to inspire young minds through bold colors, textures, and symbolism. This installation brings art and sports into the therapeutic space and also reflects a shared commitment to inclusion, awareness, and the empowerment of children on the autism spectrum.
This special event highlights the growing relationship between professional sports organizations and the autism community. The Florida Panthers, longtime advocates for autism awareness and inclusion, have worked alongside ABA Centers of Florida for the past two years to champion accessibility, support programming, and promote understanding.
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