Building a Miami Tradition: Kris Hamburger Launches the ‘A Night of Love’ Gala with Mitch Davis

Advancing autism care and community at the Faena Forum on November 18, 2026, Mitch Davis and founder Kris Hamburger envision a night of awareness designed to build lasting support for families affected by autism.

For Mitch Davis, the decision to get involved with A Work in Progress and Love began with friendship. He has known the foundation’s founder, Kris Hamburger, for years and has seen firsthand the care Hamburger brings to raising his daughters, one of whom has nonverbal autism.

“When you see that up close, helping stops being an abstraction and becomes a priority,” Davis says.

Now Davis is bringing his experience in music and live events to A Night of Love, the foundation’s planned Miami Gala at the Faena Forum on November 18, 2026. The ambition extends beyond producing a memorable evening. Davis and Hamburger want guests to form relationships capable of sustaining the organization’s work long after the night ends.

For Hamburger, the mission is deeply personal.

“As a father, I know the love, challenges and uncertainty that can come with raising a child with autism. There are families navigating that reality every single day who need resources, support and, most importantly, a community that understands them. A Night of Love is about bringing people together to remind those families that they are seen and supported while creating something that can make a meaningful difference year after year.”

The event is envisioned as an elevated evening of music, food and design while keeping the foundation’s mission at its center. UB40 and a marquee DJ are envisioned for the entertainment.

“Nobody remembers a rubber chicken dinner,” Davis says. “It must be special to make that unique meaning for everyone in the best ways possible.”

Photo Credit: WorkInProgress.org

The timing is deliberate. Scheduled before Thanksgiving and ahead of the Art Basel and holiday rush, the gala arrives as Miami’s social season gathers momentum. Davis sees the city as an opportunity to unite supporters across entertainment, business, philanthropy and the local community.

For Davis, success will not be measured solely by attendance. It will be determined by what happens afterward: whether guests connect the mission, build relationships with one another and leave envisioning how they can help.

“Success is not the ticket count. It is what exists the morning after,” Davis says.

For Hamburger and Davis, A Night of Love is intended to become more than a single awareness event. The goal is to build a Miami tradition: a night people look forward to returning to each year and a community that continues working for families affected by autism long after the music stops.

Disclaimer: Written in partnership with APG.