AbilityPath authors luncheon raises more than $425,000

AbilityPath’s 35th Annual Authors Luncheon in Palo Alto raised more than $425,000 for services that support children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families. The event drew more than 250 guests and highlighted the nonprofit’s long-running fundraising total of $7.5 million since 1991.

Why it matters: - The fundraiser helps sustain AbilityPath’s services for children and adults with developmental disabilities across the Peninsula and Silicon Valley. - A portion of the proceeds will also support the expanded Creative Arts program in Palo Alto, which gives artists with developmental disabilities a platform and generates work for sale. - The event’s total adds to a long-running fundraising track record, with the luncheon reaching $7.5 million raised since 1991.

What happened: - AbilityPath raised more than $425,000 at its 35th Annual Authors Luncheon on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, in Palo Alto. - More than 250 guests attended the luncheon and panel discussion at The Terrace by AbilityPath. - The program featured authors Alka Joshi, Evelyn Skye and David Pogue. - Returning host Maureen Langan moderated the panel. - Guests met the authors during a book signing after the program. - Attendees also shopped a pop-up art store featuring work by artists in AbilityPath’s Creative Arts Program.

The details: - Joshi spoke about her latest book, Six Days in Bombay. - Skye discussed her new release, Ideal Life. - Pogue talked about Apple: The First 50 Years. - Joshi is known for The Henna Artist and The Jaipur Trilogy. - Skye is known for The Incredible Kindness of Paper and The Hundred Loves of Juliet. - Pogue is an Emmy Award-winning correspondent for CBS Sunday Morning. - Laurie Jarrett returned as a guest speaker for the luncheon’s 35th anniversary. - Jarrett also spoke at the first Authors Luncheon in 1991. - Jarrett has supported the organization since her daughter began receiving services in 1972. - Jarrett has served as a volunteer on the board, the Authors Luncheon committee and as an advisor to leadership. - Jarrett also has been a major donor and a supporter of other families. - Bryan Neider, AbilityPath’s CEO, said the record fundraising reflected community support, Jarrett’s generosity, the event committee’s work and the authors’ participation. - Neider said the event has brought Bay Area book lovers together since 1991.

Between the lines: - The luncheon functions as both a social event and a major revenue source for AbilityPath’s year-round programs. - The creative-arts component shows how the nonprofit is tying fundraising to program visibility, not just donor appeals. - The broad sponsor list suggests strong local backing from individuals, families and businesses.

What’s next: - The funds will support AbilityPath’s services for more than 1,500 individuals each day across 17 locations in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. - Revenue from the event will continue to help fund the Creative Arts program at Mitchell Park Place in Palo Alto. - AbilityPath will keep using The Terrace by AbilityPath as an event venue that helps generate revenue for its programs. - More information is available at AbilityPath.