Every two years, since 1994, Autism Edmonton (previously known as the Autism Society of Edmonton Area) has been hosting its well-known fundraising event, the “Opening Doors for Autism” Gala & Auction. Since its inception, our Gala has been and remains our most important fundraising event in support of integral programs and services.

The goal of the Opening Doors for Autism Gala is to increase awareness about what autism is and the kinds of challenges people with autism and their families face and raise essential funds for us to continue providing much needed services and support to individuals and families in our community. Most importantly, everything being done during this important evening is done to help “open doors” for people with autism and their families. The event features a gourmet meal, live entertainment, and a live & silent auction with hundreds of great items!

2019 Opening Doors for Autism Gala - Thank you!

It's hard to believe, but it's been 25 years since the first #OpeningDoorsforAutism Gala! A huge thank you to everyone who came to, or otherwise supported, this exceptional event!

This evening would not have been possible without our generous sponsors, including our Title Sponsor Cameron Corporation.

We are excited to announce that the Opening Doors for Autism Gala raised a record-breaking $682,583! All proceeds from the Gala benefit Autism Edmonton's mission of enhancing the lives of people on the autism spectrum.

We have a number of long-standing supporters that have been offering their financial support and volunteering their time and expertise for a long time, for which we are incredibly grateful! In particular, we would like to say a big thank you to the Gala Planning Committee for making the Gala a success!

Attended by 600 guests, it was an overall extraordinary event and further proof that we are surrounded by a genuinely supportive community. It featured an elegant social atmosphere with live music and entertainment, gourmet dinner, as well as a raffle, live, silent, and art auctions. Our auctions included 300+ items, including exciting and unique experiences, artwork, and vacations donated by generous individuals and groups in support of the event.

Our heartfelt congratulations go to Tina Naqvi-Rota, the recipient of the 2019 Gino Ferri Community Builder Award, and Deborah Barrett and David Jardine, the recipients of the 2019 Opening Doors for Autism Award.Your dedication and commitment are more precious than can be measured.

Special thank you to our guest speaker - Brune Sinneave - who is a huge supporter and advocate for our Society. Our work is possible because people like you care about the future of our community!

View more photos from the 2019 Gala.

Autism Edmonton – The Village

Supporting individuals on the spectrum and those who care for them has always been at the heart of Autism Edmonton. Therefore, on the 25th birthday of our Gala, we dedicate the Big Ask to the topic of how the whole family is impacted if their loved one is diagnosed with autism.

You have probably all heard the saying “it takes a village to raise a child." For those of us who have raised children, we know how true that is. It takes a community of people with heart, energy, and insight to support the growth and development of any young person. And while raising any child comes with its difficulties that require a circle of support, raising a child with autism demands a village with an extra layer of collective love and help.

But that the village doesn't build itself... Autism Edmonton helps to cultivate "the village" so that the autism community has the resources they need to achieve their full potential.

A huge thank you to everyone who helped to created this video and passionately shared their stories!

Special Occasio Art Project for the Gala

Here is a glimpse of how Occasio Program participants created unique artwork that was auctioned at the October 25 #OpeningDoorsforAutism Gala! Just to give a little bit of history, the 2015 Gala provided seed funding for the Occasio Program! If not for the Gala, Occasio program might not have existed. Beyond the Gala, we also will be offering the option of purchasing beautiful professionally printed 5x7 folded greeting cards featuring this artwork! The cost of the card is reasonable - just $5 for a set of 3! We'll be selling the cards at some of our upcoming events - stay tuned. You can also contact us at communications@autismedmonton.org to learn more.

We look forward to seeing you at our next Gala in 2021! Let’s continue working together to ensure everyone in the autism community has the resources they need to live their best life!

Could not attend the Gala? Consider donating what you would have spent on tickets toward the event. 100% of your donation will benefit Autism Edmonton! To give make an online donation, please click here.

Contact us today!

Office: 780-453-3971 or TNT Event Planning: 780-463-9569
Email: gala2019@autismedmonton.org

Past Events

Opening Doors for Autism Gala and Auction 2017

The Autism Edmonton's most important fundraising event took place on October 27, 2017, at the Northlands Expo Centre and was an unprecedented success with over 500 guests in attendance!

We were fortunate to receive support from many local organizations, led by our title sponsor - Cameron Corporation. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, donors and sponsors, the Gala raised over $550,000.

The event was a massive undertaking, made possible only through the heartfelt dedication and hard work of our volunteers, staff, board members, and our outstanding Gala Committee. We are sincerely thankful for the contributions of our sponsors. Please consider supporting the community-minded businesses who have been so generous with their support of Autism Edmonton's work and our 2017 "Opening Doors for Autism" Gala. Read more...

We invite you to check out a video that was screened at the Gala. It aims to draw attention to the growing need for supports and services for adults with autism.

Opening Doors for Autism Gala and Auction 2015

Nearly $550,000 raised at the 2015 "Opening Doors for Autism" Gala!

Thank you for joining us on Friday, October 23, 2015 at the Edmonton Northlands Expo Centre. It was an evening we won't soon forget! Read on...

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