18th Imagine… Gala 2025
On Saturday night, April 5, 2025, the 18th Annual Imagine… Gala for Autism brought people together with music, joy, and community spirit. With its fun “Saturday Night Fever” theme, the event was a big, groovy success!
Hosted during Autism Acceptance Month, the celebration united over 400 guests in support of PALS Autism Society and PALS Adult Services Society (PASS), raising an impressive $750,000 CAD and counting.
From the glittering disco décor to a soulful celebration of inclusion and achievement, the evening, presented by Reliance Insurance and happening at the Westin Bayshore Hotel in Vancouver, served as both a fundraiser and a heartfelt tribute to the students of PALS and the members of PASS.
The success of this gala could not have been achieved without the tireless efforts of the gala committee volunteers, the board of directors, the staff of PALS and PASS, and a deeply committed network of families, friends, and advisory committee members. Co-hosts Sophie Lui and Fred Lee returned to lead the event forward.
Katy Harandi, Chair of Gala Committee, shared that all event expenses had been fully covered by generous sponsors—meaning every dollar raised through the live auction, wine wall, fund-a-therapy drive, and raffle will directly support programming that empowers autistic individuals and their families.
For us, a special highlight of the evening was knowing that the funky artwork donated by our talented team of PASS artists and auctioned off during the event raised an incredible $3,500. Special thanks to everyone who stopped by our PASS Marketplace booth—whether to say hi or to purchase handmade gifts to take home.
With $750,000 raised and more donations still arriving, the Imagine… Gala has once again proven that when a community comes together, extraordinary things happen. Funds will go toward specialized education, life skills development, vocational training, and therapeutic supports that help autistic children and adults thrive.
As guests left the dance floor and disco balls dimmed, one thing was clear: the spirit of giving is alive and grooving. Here's to another year of impact, inclusion, and imagination.