Fundraiser supports Hearts for Autism

Nearly 70 tables have already been claimed for Rock the Runway 2026, and organizers say the fundraiser is on pace to sell out weeks before showtime. 

The event, scheduled for April 11, 7:30 p.m. at the Las Cruces Convention Center, will benefit Hearts for Autism and its Camp Amigos summer program for children on the autism spectrum. Even before formal advertising had begun, ticket sales had already exceeded expectations.  

For organizer Jeffrey Silva, the event carries deep personal significance. 

In 2007, Silva’s son, Zane, was born prematurely and spent nearly four months in a neonatal intensive care unit. At one point, doctors told Silva his son might not survive. 

“I got down on my knees and asked God to save Zane’s life,” Silva said. “I said I would do anything to help our community if he would just save his life.” 

Zane survived, and Silva said that promise shaped the family’s commitment to community service. Over the next nine years, the Team Zane Celebrity Waiter fundraiser raised approximately $500,000 for local causes and ranked among the top fundraising teams nationally for the March of Dimes.  

Now 18 and a junior at Organ Mountain High School, Zane is on the autism spectrum, classified at Level 1. Silva said the diagnosis came later in his childhood. 

“As time went on, we realized he was on the spectrum,” Silva said. “There are different levels, and I’m not a doctor, but I can tell you he’s level 1.” 

That personal connection led Silva to partner with Abel Covarrubias, co-founder for Hearts of Autism and chair of the nonprofit’s board of directors, to create Rock the Runway. 

The concept grew out of conversations about developing a new community-driven fundraiser that would both honor Zane’s journey and address a growing need for autism support services in Southern New Mexico.  

Hearts for Autism operates Camp Amigos, a summer day camp held in partnership with New Mexico State University that provides structured activities and social opportunities for children on the autism spectrum. The camp serves about 40 children each year and offers activities including swimming, music classes, sensory activities and rock climbing at NMSU facilities.  

“It's an opportunity for children with autism to come together, socialize with their peers and build friendships,” Covarrubias said. 

The program was founded by community members who wanted to ensure children with autism could have the same opportunities in summer camps just like their peers.  

“Our vision was that every child with autism would have the opportunity to experience camp,” Covarrubias said.  

Running the program requires significant community support. According to Covarrubias, it costs between $25,000 and $30,000 each year to operate the one-week camp. Funds raised through Rock the Runway will help sustain the program for years to come. 

“With the funds raised, we will be able to secure Camp Amigos for the next two years,” Covarrubias said. “One hundred percent of those funds will go toward bringing together 40 children each year to experience the camp.” 

The event itself blends fashion, entertainment, and community leadership. Rather than traditional models, local leaders will take the runway in support of the cause. 

The evening will also feature informational segments about autism, video stories from local families, an on-stage interview with Zane, and a halftime performance by Azteca dancers from El Paso. 

VIP tables, priced at $2,000, include access to a pre-event reception, while standard tables are available for $1,000 along with a limited number of individual seats.  

After initially planning for 50 tables, organizers had to expand the capacity twice. First to 60 and then to 70 tables, as interest had begun to grow.  

“It means everything,” Silva said of the community’s support. “It shows this community is coming together for a good cause. I’ve had people tell me, ‘If Zane is behind this cause, we’re behind it with him.’ As a parent, that makes me feel good.” 

With limited seating remaining, tickets are available online through the Las Cruces Convention Center website.