Rancho Santa Fe Hosts 'Have a Heart for Autism' Benefit Event

Autism Society San Diego raises funds and awareness with community gathering

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

The Autism Society San Diego held a 'Have a Heart for Autism' benefit event at the Rancho Santa Fe home of Laura Applegate on February 6. The event featured food, drinks, shopping, and inspiring stories, with all proceeds going to support the Autism Society San Diego's mission of connecting people to autism resources through education, advocacy, and community programming.

Why it matters

The event helps raise awareness and funds for the Autism Society San Diego, which plays a vital role in supporting the local autism community by providing essential resources, services, and programming. Autism affects 1 in 44 children in the United States, making events like this an important way to bring the community together and highlight the needs of those impacted.

The details

The 'Have a Heart for Autism' benefit event included a morning of delicious food and drinks, as well as shopping opportunities, all to benefit the Autism Society San Diego. The event featured meaningful conversations and inspiring stories from attendees, further supporting the organization's mission of empowering the autism community.

  • The event was held on February 6, 2026 at Laura Applegate's home in Rancho Santa Fe.

The players

Laura Applegate

The host of the 'Have a Heart for Autism' benefit event at her home in Rancho Santa Fe.

Gilda Adler

Co-organizer of the 'Have a Heart for Autism' benefit event along with the Autism Society San Diego.

Autism Society San Diego

A non-profit organization that connects people to autism resources through education, advocacy, support, information and referral, and community programming.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

Events like the 'Have a Heart for Autism' benefit help bring the community together to support the vital work of the Autism Society San Diego, which plays a crucial role in empowering those affected by autism through essential resources, services, and programming.