The 15th Annual Grant a Gift Gala lit up Allegiant Stadium in dazzling neon fashion as more than 1,000 guests came together on 10.30.25 for an unforgettable evening of celebration, community, and purpose. Themed “Glow Beyond Limits: A Neon Night for Bright Futures,” this year’s gala marked a milestone in attendance and reaffirmed Grant a Gift’s mission to empower children and families living with autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions.

All Grant a Gift Gala 2025 photos can be viewed here. Courtesy of AltF photography.

A Neon Night for Bright Futures

From the moment guests arrived, the stadium sparkled with color and energy. Neon installations, vibrant décor, photo activations, and spectacular lighting set the tone for an evening that was both glamorous and heartfelt. The theme captured the spirit of the Grant a Gift community—bright, bold, and boundless in its commitment to creating opportunities for every child to thrive.

Throughout the night, guests enjoyed live entertainment, a curated dinner experience, spirits donated by Aspen Vodka, a robust silent auction featuring over 130 items and packages, and an exciting live auction, and emotional stories of impact that showcased how the Ackerman Center continues to change lives through early diagnosis, clinical care, family support, and vocational training.

Hosted by Jessica Rosado

Returning as host, Jessica Rosado, Co-Host of The Morning Blend on KTNV Channel 13, once again brought her signature warmth, humor, and compassion to the stage. Her energy connected guests to the heart of the mission, reminding everyone that behind every glowing light is a story of hope, resilience, and possibility.

Holly Madison: Event Ambassador & Advocate

The evening also featured Holly Madison as Event Ambassador. A New York Times bestselling author, television personality, and proud Las Vegas resident, Madison recently shared her own autism diagnosis, a journey that has inspired many. Her openness and advocacy resonated deeply with the audience, underscoring the importance of awareness, early intervention, and belonging for individuals on the spectrum.

“Holly’s story reflects the power of understanding and acceptance,” said Emily Hayes, Director of Marketing & Events at Grant a Gift. “Her voice continues to help families feel seen and supported.”

Honoring Wendy Hornbuckle

This year’s gala proudly recognized Wendy Hornbuckle as the 2025 Honoree for her outstanding contributions to the Las Vegas community and her unwavering commitment to advancing opportunities for children and families.

For more than 40 years, Wendy has called Las Vegas home and during that time, she has become a driving force for philanthropy, compassion, and progress. As a founding member of Nevada Women’s Philanthropy, Wendy has helped empower women to make transformative investments in the community. Her leadership was also instrumental in helping Intermountain Health establish Nevada’s first standalone Children’s Hospital, a milestone that will positively impact generations to come.

Through the Hornbuckle Family Foundation, Wendy and her husband, Bill, continue to champion education and opportunity for students in need, ensuring that young people have the resources and pathways to reach their full potential.

Beyond her philanthropic achievements, Wendy is a proud mother who treasures time with her family, enjoys traveling, hiking, and caring for her animals, a reflection of her grounded and generous spirit that inspires everyone who knows her.

Ushering in her moment a special video featured Ackerman Center clients reading heartfelt messages from friends and family.

Her recognition at this year’s gala, delivered through a touching and personal message from her son, Kristopher Hornbuckle, was met with heartfelt applause, honoring a lifetime of service and compassion that continues to make Las Vegas a brighter place for all.

A Hope for Bright Futures

We paused for a moment of reflection as well as looking ahead as families and team members of the Ackerman Center were featured in a “Dear Future” video. They shared their journeys, their challenges, their triumphs and ultimately their wishes for the future ahead. Thank you to our family participants:

Anna & Randall Colquitt
Amalia Pacheco
Denise & Gerald Sanchez
Dr. Jennifer Karmely & Annie

Also thank you to our amazing colleagues, friends, and team members of the Ackerman Center for their participation:

Dr. Julie Beasley
Dr. Mario Gaspar De Alba
Dr. Rooman Ahad
Kayana Lewis
Deborah Meinberg

Expansion and Access: New Henderson Location Opening Soon

As part of our continued commitment to serving more families across Southern Nevada, Grant a Gift Autism Foundation – Ackerman Center was proud to announce during the evening’s presentation, the upcoming opening of our new Henderson location at 2270 Corporate Circle, Ste. 150.

Set to open by the end of this year, the new clinic will expand access to critical Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services, offering both full-time comprehensive ABA programs and afterschool focused ABA sessions to begin. These programs will provide personalized support designed to help children build essential life skills, reach developmental milestones, and thrive in their everyday environments.

This milestone would not be possible without the extraordinary generosity and partnership of those who helped bring the new location to life. Our sincere thanks to:

Troy Nelson, Mojave Electric
Mark Stuhmer, Christopher Homes
Doug Crook, Douglas L. Crook & Associates
Michael Del Gatto, Carpenter Sellers Del Gatto
Chris Stuhmer, Christopher Homes
For more information about ABA services or to begin the intake process, please contact autismcenter@grantagift.com

Auction Highlights

The night’s generosity shone as brightly as the neon lights. Guests helped raise critical funds through both the silent and live auctions, supporting programs and services that directly benefit children and families served by the Ackerman Center.

The live auction featured a dazzling lineup of exclusive items and experiences, sparking spirited bidding and heartfelt moments of giving. Highlighted items and amounts raised include:

“Indigo” the Puppy — $40,000

Raiders Two-Day Suite Experience for WrestleMania — $35,000

Custom Michael Minden Emerald Bracelet — $25,000

Each bid reflected the compassion and commitment of a community united to create brighter futures for those navigating autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions.

Celebrating Our Sponsors

The success of the 15th Annual Gala would not have been possible without the generosity of our sponsors and community partners. Our heartfelt thanks go to our presenting sponsors:

Gaudin Motor Company
Wynn Resorts
Smile Generation
Las Vegas Raiders
The Ace Pacheco Foundation

Their continued support fuels life-changing programs year after year.

A Community That Shines

This year’s record-breaking attendance spoke volumes about the strength of the Grant a Gift community. Guests dressed in their brightest neon attire, danced under the glow of Allegiant Stadium’s lights, and celebrated the progress and promise of a mission that continues to grow beyond limits.

As Brian Hager, President of Grant a Gift Autism Foundation – Ackerman Center, shared during the program:

“Every year, we’re reminded that our glow comes from the people who believe in our mission. Together, we’re not just lighting up the night—we’re lighting the path forward for thousands of children and families.”

Looking Ahead

The 15th Annual Grant a Gift Gala was more than a celebration; it was a statement of hope, unity, and the limitless potential of community impact. To everyone who attended, volunteered, donated, or championed our mission, thank you for helping us shine brighter than ever before.

Together, we continue to “Glow Beyond Limits,” creating futures as brilliant as the lights that filled the stadium that night.