AbilityPath marks 35 years of its Authors Luncheon in Palo Alto

AbilityPath will host the 35th annual Authors Luncheon on Oct. 17 in Palo Alto, bringing together three New York Times bestselling authors to raise money for programs serving people with developmental disabilities. The event is a key fundraiser for the Bay Area nonprofit and comes during National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

Why it matters: - AbilityPath’s Authors Luncheon is one of the nonprofit’s premier fundraisers, generating nearly $400,000 a year for programs and services for children and adults with developmental disabilities. - The event supports employment services that help adults with developmental disabilities learn skills, find jobs and build careers across the Bay Area. - The luncheon has raised more than $7 million over its history to support greater independence, connection and belonging.

What happened: - AbilityPath will host the 35th annual Authors Luncheon on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Terrace by AbilityPath in Palo Alto, California. - The event will feature Alka Joshi, Evelyn Skye and David Pogue in conversation about their latest books, creative journeys and sources of inspiration. - Maureen Langan will return as host and moderator for the author panel. - Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available at the event page.

The details: - Joshi is known for The Henna Artist and the Jaipur Trilogy. - Skye’s books include The Hundred Loves of Juliet and The Incredible Kindness of Paper. - Pogue is an Emmy Award-winning correspondent for CBS Sunday Morning and the author of Apple: The First 50 Years. - Guests will get cocktails, lunch, an art store featuring work by artists with developmental disabilities in AbilityPath’s Creative Arts Program, and a book signing with the featured authors. - The program runs from 11 a.m. to noon for registration, the bookstore, coffee and a signature cocktail. - Lunch, the author program and panel run from noon to 2:30 p.m. - The book signing runs from 2:30 to 3 p.m. - The event address is 3864 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, CA 94303. - This year’s 35th Anniversary Circle includes lead sponsor Laurie T. Jarrett and an anonymous supporter. - AbilityPath owns and operates The Terrace by AbilityPath, which also helps generate revenue for its programs.

Between the lines: - The luncheon is timed to National Disability Employment Awareness Month, which is observed each October to spotlight workers with disabilities and promote inclusive hiring. - The author lineup suggests AbilityPath is using a high-profile cultural event to broaden community engagement around its mission. - The mix of fundraising, local venue use and creative arts programming shows the event serves both revenue and awareness goals.

What's next: - AbilityPath will hold the luncheon on Oct. 17 and use the event to fund services for people with developmental disabilities throughout the Bay Area. - The nonprofit is expected to continue marketing tickets and sponsorships ahead of the event. - Supporters can learn more at AbilityPath.