On October 30, something truly special is happening at Allegiant Stadium. It’s the 15th Annual Grant A Gift Gala, a night where the Las Vegas community comes together to support children and families living with autism. This isn’t just another fancy event. It’s about real people, real challenges, and a community choosing to stand together with love and hope.
Who’s Behind the Event
At the heart of it all are Brian Hager, President of the Grant A Gift Autism Foundation–Ackerman Center, and ambassador Holly Madison, who are using their voices to shine a light on autism and the families who live it every single day.
If you don’t know much about autism, here’s a simple way to understand it: autism (or Autism Spectrum Disorder) affects how a person experiences the world — how they communicate, learn, and connect with others. Every child is different. Some may be chatty; others may use few words at all. Some might love routines, while others might get overwhelmed by noise or bright lights. According to the CDC, about 1 in 36 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with autism. That’s a lot of families needing understanding, help, and acceptance.
How Grant A Gift Changes Lives
That’s where Grant A Gift steps in. The foundation doesn’t just raise money; it changes lives. The funds from the gala support early diagnosis so families can understand their child’s needs sooner; clinical services that provide therapy and medical care; and life skills training to help teens and young adults learn independence, such as cooking, working, and managing daily routines.
More Than a Gala — A Celebration of Community
One of the most exciting updates this year is the foundation’s new Henderson location, which means more families in Southern Nevada will be able to get help without having to travel far. For parents who already juggle work, appointments, and emotional ups and downs, that kind of access means everything.
The gala itself promises to be a beautiful, heartwarming evening. People will dress up, share stories, and celebrate the progress being made. but more importantly, they’ll know their presence is making a real difference. Every ticket bought, every donation given, helps create a future where children on the autism spectrum are not just cared for, but truly seen, supported, and empowered.
A Future Built on Compassion
It is experiences like this that remind us that a diagnosis does not define a child; love, community, and opportunity do. And when you have a community as vibrant as Las Vegas coming together for a cause like this, you see what is possible when compassion leads the way.
So whether you participate in person or support from afar, remember that every bit of care counts. You are not just funding programs, you are building brighter futures for families that certainly deserve no less. Also, if your loved one could use support or resources for autism therapy, our team at Nevada Autism Center is here to help.
