The Know Autism Foundation held a private reception on September 16 to honor their 2016 Light Up My Heart Gala Chairs and Celebrity Models. The event was held at David Peck USA and had over 100 guests in attendance. The event featured an introduction to the gala's chair, Anika Jackson, honorary chair, Elaine Turner, and celebrity models, including Magen Pastor, Candace Thomas, Laura Max Rose, Candace Thomas, Carrie Colbert, Jill Thompson Shull, Jessica Rossman, Ashley Small, Jacquie Baly, Arcy Munoz, Nina-Guitierrez-Garcia, Nancy Almodovar, Bernadette Verzosa, Savreet Signh, Dr. Vanitha Pothuri, Dr. Bridgitte Lee, Dr. Yasmine Haddad, Staci Henderson, Misti Pace-Krahl, Easter Freedman, Tiffaney D. Hunter, Dr. Petagay Chen-Ledbetter, Tracy Faulkner, Denise Johnson and LaToshia Norwood. Music was provided by DJ Little Martin.

Founded in April 2013 by Tammy Tran Nguyen, KNOWAutism is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization created to provide Autism awareness, education and resources that help Houston children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, as well as their families.

KNOWAutism 2015 Inaugural Gala has raised nearly a quarter of a million to help subsidize the cost of test for children with autism.  The Light Up My Hear KNOWAutism 2016 Gala will take place on the evening of February 4, 2016 at the Houston Country Club. The event will feature cocktails, great food and fashion. Funds received as a result of the gala will support their initiative to the Autism Diagnostic Assistance Program and Tuition Assistance Program.