Breaking Records and Building Futures: $2 Million Raised at the 14th Annual Grant a Gift Gala
The 14th Annual Grant a Gift Gala was an unforgettable evening of generosity, celebration, and impact, held on the iconic field of Allegiant Stadium. This year’s gala brought together 870 guests, including supporters, families, and community leaders, to celebrate the mission of Grant a Gift Autism Foundation – Ackerman Center. The event made history, raising an incredible $2 million to advance programs and resources for families living with autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions.
A Night of Generosity and Celebration
This year’s gala was hosted by Jessica Rosado, Co-Host of Morning Blend on KTNV Channel 13, whose warmth and enthusiasm set the tone for the evening. The event also honored Jenny & Gerry Shear of the Shear Family Foundation as well as Barbara Buckley of the Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada for their unwavering commitment to improving the lives of individuals with autism.
The night would not have been possible without the support of our presenting sponsors, Wynn Resorts and Smile Generation, whose generosity year after year fuels the programs and services that transform lives.
A special thanks also goes to Gaudin Porsche of Las Vegas for their remarkable donation of an all-new 2024 Porsche Macan Electric, which stole the spotlight during the live auction.
Heartfelt Auction Highlights
The live auction was filled with memorable moments that captured the evening’s spirit of generosity and compassion. Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis, seated beside Sandra Douglass Morgan, bid $190,000 on the electric Porsche Macan. After learning the vehicle was electric, Davis humorously announced he doesn’t drive electric cars and instead donated the full $190,000 to the foundation, allowing the second-highest bidder to win the car for $180,000.
Another standout moment came during the bidding for a six-month-old goldendoodle puppy. Gary Ackerman, Grant a Gift board chair and owner of Gaudin Motor Co., won the bid at $40,000. In a heartwarming twist, Ackerman surprised one of his employees—who had been caring for the puppy and grown attached—by gifting her the dog. Her tearful joy brought the room to its feet and perfectly captured the evening’s themes of kindness and community.
Announcing Our New Satellite Location
The highlight of the night was the announcement of a new satellite location in Henderson, set to open in 2025. This expansion will double Grant a Gift’s capacity, enabling the foundation to serve even more families across Southern Nevada.
Grant a Gift Autism Foundation - Ackerman Center Satellite Location in Henderson, NV Opening in 2025
“This milestone is a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we unite as a compassionate and driven community,” said Brian Hager, President of Grant a Gift Autism Foundation – Ackerman Center. “The funds raised tonight will not only help us expand our ability to serve families but also ignite hope and create new possibilities for children with autism, empowering families, and creating brighter futures."
Before launching the live auction, Hager set an ambitious goal of raising $500,000 to support the new location’s buildout and initial operations. The funds raised throughout the evening will be instrumental in bringing this vision to life, providing critical early diagnostics, family-centered clinical care, vocational programs, and scholarships to bridge insurance gaps.
Honoring Community and Raising Awareness
The gala also served as a reminder of the growing need for early intervention and support. A sobering statistic shared during the program highlighted that 1 in 36 children in the U.S. will be diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Early diagnosis and access to therapy are critical to helping these children lead healthy, independent lives.
Guests dressed in dazzling Metallic Mosaic Elegance enjoyed a premium dinner, fine wines, and entertainment that added to the evening’s magic. The exclusive Wynn Field Club provided an electric atmosphere, and the event’s stunning décor and energy carried throughout the night.
Looking Ahead
The record-breaking success of this year’s gala underscores the power of community in driving change. The funds raised will fuel the foundation’s expansion, including the Henderson satellite location, and support its mission to provide life-changing services to families in need.
To everyone who attended, donated, or supported the event, thank you. Your generosity is creating brighter futures for countless families across Southern Nevada.
Mark your calendars for the 2025 Grant a Gift Gala as we continue to make a difference, one family at a time.