Taylor to Help Pull a 30,000 Pound Fire Truck to Raise Funds and Awareness for Students With Autism in Palm Beach County
PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL (September 4, 2026). Bernard Taylor may have recently concluded his campaign for Congress, but his commitment to serving the people of Florida's Treasure Coast continues.
On Saturday, September 5, Taylor will participate in the 2026 Connections Fire Truck Pull, joining community members for a unique fundraising challenge that will require teams to pull a 30,000 pound fire truck while raising funds to support students with autism.
The fourth annual event will take place from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Gardens Park in Palm Beach Gardens. Teams of eight are challenged to raise a minimum of $500 and compete to see who can pull the massive fire truck the fastest. Proceeds benefit Connections, a Palm Beach County nonprofit school dedicated to creating opportunities for students with autism to learn, grow and thrive.
Taylor recently ran as a Democrat for Florida's 21st Congressional District, which includes communities throughout the Treasure Coast. He says his commitment to public service will continue.
"As a father of a son with autism, this cause is especially close to my heart and to my family," said Taylor. "Throughout the campaign, I had the opportunity to meet so many families, listen to their experiences and hear about the challenges they face. That work doesn't stop because an election ends. I'm looking forward to getting out there, having some fun, pulling that fire truck and, most importantly, helping raise money and awareness for an organization doing meaningful work for children and families."
The Fire Truck Pull benefits Connections, a nonprofit organization serving individuals with autism in Palm Beach County. Connections provides evidence based education and lifelong support in a nurturing, family centered environment, with programs designed to help individuals with autism learn, develop and become more independent.
The annual fundraiser brings together first responders, businesses, organizations and community members for a morning centered on teamwork and giving back. In addition to competing for the fastest pull, participants can also earn recognition for fundraising and other team achievements.
Taylor's participation is particularly fitting given his own background as a first responder. Prior to seeking elected office, Taylor built a career centered on emergency response and public service, which he intends to continue.
"Public service was part of my life long before I decided to run for Congress," Taylor added. "There are many ways to serve. Sometimes it is through government, sometimes it is responding to an emergency, and sometimes it is grabbing a rope with seven other people and pulling a fire truck to help raise money for a great cause. I'm honored to be part of such a great event."
Event Details
2026 Connections Fire Truck Pull
Saturday, September 5, 2026
9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Gardens Park, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
The competition challenges teams of eight to pull a 30,000 pound fire truck, with proceeds supporting Connections and its work serving students with autism throughout Palm Beach County.