Mills Heating & Air has issued a call for corporate sponsors, prize contributions and beverage donations ahead of the 2nd Annual Aces for Autism Poker Tournament, a community fundraiser benefiting students of Advanced Sacred Hope Academy (ASHA). The event is scheduled for Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Shoreline Church in Destin, Florida, with cards flying at noon.
The afternoon of Texas Hold'em is designed to raise awareness and funds for the neurodivergent students at ASHA. Organizers have opened the invitation to the Emerald Coast businesses and community members who wish to contribute, noting that poker experience is not required to take part in this effort.
Businesses looking to Make a Bigger Impact and Become a Corporate Sponsor are among the primary supporters organizers hope to attract. Beyond sponsorships, organizers are also seeking prize donations for event drawings, which may include gift cards, staycations, fishing trips, spa packages, experiences, services or merchandise. Contributions of bourbon and tequila are being collected for the event's Liquor Pull, a featured attraction of the day. Prize and bottle donors will be recognized at the event and through online and social media channels.
"This event is about far more than the cards on the table," said AJ Jeter of Mills Heating & Air. "It is about the community showing these students that people believe in them. Whether a business becomes a sponsor, provides a prize, donates a bottle, plays in the tournament or simply helps spread the word, they become part of something much larger."
At ASHA, education extends beyond the traditional classroom setting. The school uses a transitional approach to academics, helping neurodivergent students build skills in ways that are individualized, practical and connected to daily life. Students work on academics while developing independence, communication, confidence and functional life skills intended to prepare them for life beyond the classroom. Community involvement is central to that approach, giving students opportunities to explore their interests and practice new skills through real-world partnerships and experiences.
"Every hand played, every sponsorship and every donated item help support the mission of the school," Jeter added. "The goal is to fill the room, fill the prize tables and create a meaningful day for these students and their families."
The Aces for Autism Poker Tournament is expected to bring together business leaders, poker players and community supporters from across the Emerald Coast for an afternoon of friendly competition in support of a local cause. Funds raised through sponsorships, donations and tournament participation directly benefit the students of ASHA.
Mills Heating & Air is a veteran-owned, locally operated HVAC installation and repair company based in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, with more than 40 years of experience serving residential and commercial customers. The company provides cooling, heating, air quality and commercial HVAC services through EPA and NATE-certified technicians. Mills Heating & Air operates from three locations in Fort Walton Beach, Freeport and Panama City Beach, Florida, and remains active in supporting local community initiatives across the Emerald Coast region.
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For more information about Mills Heating & Air, contact the company here:
Mills Heating & Air
Amber Jeter
(850) 862-4796
marketing@millshvac.com
225 Green Acres Rd,
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
