A Work in Progress and Love Foundation to host inaugural autism-focused gala in Miami Beach

A Work in Progress and Love Foundation will stage its first A Night of Love Gala on Nov. 18 at Faena Forum in Miami Beach, with proceeds supporting autism research, a school and a long-term community for families. The event brings together 500 guests, live entertainment and a fundraising push tied to the needs of autistic young adults and their families.

Why it matters: - The inaugural gala is designed to raise money for autism research, education and long-term family support in one event. - The fundraiser targets a gap families often face when school-age services end and adult support is harder to find. - The event will gather 500 guests at Faena Forum in Miami Beach.

What happened: - A Work In Progress and Love Foundation will host the first A Night of Love Gala on Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2026, at Faena Forum in Miami Beach. - Kris Hamburger, founder of A Work In Progress and Love Foundation, will host the event with co-host Mitch Davis. - The gala runs from 6:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. at 3300 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33140. - Media red carpet call time is 6 p.m.

The details: - The fundraiser is built around three goals: advance autism research, support a school built around students' needs and sustain a lifelong community for families. - The evening includes a red carpet arrival, cocktail reception, short film, private headline concert and late-night dance floor. - General admission tickets cost $250. - VIP table reservations are available upon request at the event site. - Attire is listed as upscale. - The entertainment lineup will feature secret artists that will be announced later. - The event will include a headline performance by a Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum band. - A Grammy- and Academy Award-winning producer and artist will follow with a DJ set.

Between the lines: - The gala is structured to turn one night of fundraising into a broader message about what happens to autistic young adults when formal support systems fall away. - Hamburger's remarks frame the event as both a fundraising night and a public call to address a problem that many families handle privately. - The foundation's pitch emphasizes a continuum of support, from research and education to community building.

What's next: - The secret artists are expected to be revealed before the gala. - Ticket sales and VIP table reservations are open now through workinprogress.org. - The foundation will use the proceeds to support its autism-focused programs and partnerships.

The bottom line: - A Work In Progress and Love Foundation is using its first major gala to fund autism-related support while spotlighting a long-term gap in services for families.