More than 1,200 guests filled the field at Allegiant Stadium on October 22nd for the 16th Annual Grant a Gift Gala, an unforgettable evening celebrating community, generosity, and a milestone 10 years in the making.
This year’s Patterns & Prints theme celebrated the individuality of the people we serve while recognizing the lasting impressions that families, team members, donors, partners, and community supporters have made throughout Grant a Gift Autism Foundation – Ackerman Center’s journey.
But this year, the celebration carried special meaning.
2026 marks 10 years of the Ackerman Center.
Throughout the evening, we looked back on a decade of milestones, honored extraordinary partners who have helped move our mission forward, and celebrated the possibilities still ahead for individuals with autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions across Nevada.
View all Gala 2026 photos here
All images courtesy of Alt F Photography
Celebrating 10 Years of the Ackerman Center
When the Ackerman Center opened its doors in 2016, it represented an innovative approach to caring for children and families navigating autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions: bringing multidisciplinary care together under one roof and making it easier for families to access the expertise, resources, and support they need.
Ten years later, that vision has grown in ways that once seemed unimaginable.
The Ackerman Center's innovative care model has earned recognition for the power of healthcare collaboration. Services have expanded beyond diagnosis and medical care to include behavioral health, therapy, social programs, vocational services, mental health counseling, specialized care for individuals impacted by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders and Prenatal Substance Exposure (FASD/PSE), and more.
Major investments in vocational programming have created new opportunities to help neurodivergent teens and young adults build skills, confidence, and greater independence. Partnerships across healthcare, education, philanthropy, and the Las Vegas community have allowed us to continue expanding what comprehensive, collaborative care can look like.
And in 2026, we celebrated another major milestone: the opening of our Henderson satellite location, expanding access to services for even more families in our valley.
These milestones represent more than organizational growth. They represent thousands of individual journeys, each with its own pattern of challenges, progress, possibilities, and achievements.
A Heartfelt Reflection from Gary Ackerman
One of the evening's most meaningful moments came from Gary Ackerman, namesake of the Ackerman Center, who shared a heartfelt reflection on the journey that brought us to this 10-year milestone. His words brought the evening back to where this work began and to the families at the center of our mission.
As we celebrated everything that has changed over the past decade, the moment was also a powerful reminder of what has remained constant: the belief that every individual deserves access to compassionate care, meaningful opportunities, and a community committed to helping them thrive.
Every Voice Matters
The evening also brought the story of the Ackerman Center to life through “Voices,” a special video featuring Ackerman Center clients, parents, and team members.
Through words like friends, confidence, hope, belonging, family, progress, and independence, their voices illustrated what impact can look like from one person to the next.
Progress looks different for everyone. A milestone that may seem small to the outside world can mean everything to an individual or family.
As we look toward the next decade, we remain committed to making sure even more voices are heard, supported, and celebrated.
Every. Voice. Matters.
Written and produced by ContentGro
Honoring Smile Generation
This year's Gala Honoree, Smile Generation, was recognized for its extraordinary commitment to improving access to dental care for individuals with autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions.
Since 2020, Smile Generation-supported dental offices have provided more than $5 million in donated dental services to more than 1,600 Nevadans, along with more than 6,000 volunteer hours.
Their partnership has gone far beyond providing dental care. Through initiatives including desensitization kits and specialized training with Dr. Julie Beasley, Smile Generation has helped make dental experiences more accessible and supportive for individuals with sensory and developmental needs.
We were proud to celebrate a partner whose commitment to our community continues to make a lasting difference in both oral and overall health.
Celebrating Blue Man Group
We were also proud to recognize Blue Man Group as our 2026 Community Ambassador for its longstanding partnership with Grant a Gift Autism Foundation.
Since 2015, Blue Man Group has hosted nine sensory-friendly performances benefiting Grant a Gift, creating an opportunity for individuals with sensory sensitivities and their families to experience one of Las Vegas' most iconic productions in a welcoming environment. Through the partnership, almost $100,000 has been raised to support our mission.
And Blue Man Group didn't just join us as an honoree.
They helped bring the celebration to life! The Blue Men walked the Gala floor, helped with Live Auction excitement, and celebrated the end of our evening with a shower of colorful streamers!
We extend a huge thank you to Blue Man Group for participating in the evening's festivities and making an already memorable night even more unforgettable for our guests.
Holly Madison: Event Ambassador
We were thrilled to once again welcome Holly Madison as our Event Ambassador.
As a New York Times bestselling author, television personality, Las Vegas resident, and member of the autism community, Holly has used her platform and personal experiences to help create greater awareness and understanding of autism.
Her continued support of Grant a Gift and the Ackerman Center helps amplify an important message: greater understanding, acceptance, and access can make a meaningful difference in people's lives.
Jessica Rosado Returns as Emcee
Returning for her third year as Gala Emcee, Jessica Rosado once again brought warmth, energy, and heart to the Allegiant Stadium stage.
Jessica guided our guests through a night filled with celebration, reflection, laughter, generosity, and powerful stories from the people who make the community so special.
We are incredibly grateful to Jessica for continuing to lend her voice and talents to our mission.
A Lively Night of Giving
Of course, no Grant a Gift Gala would be complete without some spirited bidding.
This year's live auction brought plenty of excitement to the field at Allegiant Stadium, with guests bidding on an incredible collection of one-of-a-kind experiences and packages.
Highlights included:
A surprise package from STITCHED for custom suits went to 15 lucky winners raising $39,000
One particularly adorable bidder favorite, “Paddington,” a Mini Mountain Doodle who was auctioned for $60,000!
Every bid, donation, and contribution helps us continue expanding access to services and creating opportunities for individuals and families throughout Southern Nevada.
Thank You to Our Presenting Sponsors
An evening of this magnitude would not be possible without the organizations and individuals who believe deeply in our mission.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our 2026 Presenting Sponsors:
Gaudin Motor Company
Smile Generation
The Ace Pacheco Foundation
Your partnership helps make it possible for Grant a Gift Autism Foundation – Ackerman Center to continue growing, innovating, and serving our community.
We are equally grateful to every sponsor, donor, auction participant, volunteer, team member, partner, and guest who contributed to this year's Gala.
Revisit the 2026 Gala Program
The stories and celebrations of the evening extend beyond the stage. Our 2026 Grant a Gift Gala Program highlights the people, partners, honorees, and milestones that made this year's Gala and the Ackerman Center's 10th anniversary so meaningful.
VIEW THE 2026 GALA PROGRAM
In the News
The 16th Annual Grant a Gift Gala also received exciting media coverage leading up to the big night. A special thank you to the BrandBomb PR team for helping share our mission, the Gala, and the stories behind our work with audiences near and far.
Catch up on some of the coverage:
8 News Now: Grant a Gift Gala Returns for Its 16th Year
Fox News Digital: Holly Madison Hopes to Recreate One of Her Favorite Moments at Grant a Gift Gala
The Next Decade Starts Here
Ten years ago, the Ackerman Center began with a vision for a different kind of care.
Today, that vision has grown into a comprehensive network of services, programs, partnerships, and opportunities touching lives throughout Southern Nevada.
The 16th Annual Grant a Gift Gala gave us an opportunity to celebrate how far we have come, but the most exciting part of this milestone is where we go from here.
There are more families to reach. More barriers to remove. More programs to build. More milestones to celebrate. And many more voices waiting to be heard.
To all of you; sponsors, guests, volunteers and staff, thank you.
Thank you for believing in this work.
Thank you for making a lasting impression.
And thank you for helping us begin the next decade with even greater possibilities ahead.