On May 18, the Special Needs Network (SNN) hosted their 17th Annual ‘A Pink Pump Affair’ in Beverly Hills, Calif., at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Every year, SNN gathers community leaders and public figures from all sectors such as law, education, finance, politics, journalism, and entertainment, to fundraise for young adults and youth on the autistic spectrum who are in need of vital resources. The Capitol Group and U.S. Bank were sponsors for the extravagant affair.
The Special Needs Network is an organization, founded in 2005 by award-winning civil rights attorney, author, keynote speaker, and leading advocate for social justice and autism awareness, Areva Martin.
“What we are doing is raising money not just for the only fully inclusive summer camp (JPAC) in the heart of Los Angeles, but we are also raising money for the families who lost their homes in the Altadena [Eaton Canyon] fires.” She continued, “We know so many families didn’t have trust funds or resources, and some were underinsured. Many of them are depending on not just government assistance but also nonprofits like this to fill in the gaps… We are showing our community that when we come together, there is nothing that we can’t do.”
Funds from the auction at the Pink Pump Affair not only go towards services for children and people along the spectrum, but also towards the Joe Patton Academy Camp (JPAC) and SNN’s Adopt-a-Family Emergency Relief Program to support Eaton Canyon Fire victims. Guests also were able to experience a haute couture fashion show as models wore clothing from Tess Mann Atelier.
SNN focuses on working at the interactions of disability rights and social justice and is on a mission to raise awareness that emphasizes the importance of examining the ways in which class, gender, and race affect the life experiences of people with disabilities.
The Pink Pump Affair not only highlights philanthropic efforts, it also signifies notable women across the greater Los Angeles community.
Martin’s son, Marty, was diagnosed with autism at the age of two, sparking Martin’s yearning to establish a foundation to support the families of children and people with autism. She knew that something was off when she noticed her son could not speak.
Once she realized this and received a diagnosis, she educated herself about autism and understood that many autistic youth — especially those who are Black and Brown — don’t have the adequate access to care.
Martin also wrote a book called “The Everyday Advocate: Standing Up For Your Autistic Child” and lent her voice to becoming a keynote speaker for autism on a national level.
Ahead of the pink carpet, Martin was excited as soon as she came off the elevator at the Beverly Hilton for the affair, which was held in the lavishly styled international ballroom. She was ecstatic at the fashion choices people wore, as the theme of the event was ‘vintage elegance’ and ‘whimsical wonderland.’ Many of the attendees wore a “sea of pink,” according to Martin.
“I’m just so overjoyed at the way women and men show up every year for this event! They don’t just bring their hearts; they bring their best pink fashions and their power, which is so encouraging to me.”
Award-winning journalist and legendary news anchor at CBS Los Angeles (KCAL News), Pat Harvey, was the host and mistress of ceremonies. She graciously stopped by on the carpet to speak with Our Weekly and said the event is one of her favorites of the year. Harvey has hosted the Pink Pump Affair 12 times and knows that the funds are being put to good use.
“I personally have seen where the funds go and how they help. I’ve been to JPAC (the summer camp for youth), so I am 150 percent behind this cause!”
She continued, “I have fallen in love with not only Areva, but also the organization because I have seen the work that they do… I have a special needs sister, so I do have a personal interest in this as well. For [Areva] to open her heart and get people to come together to help kids and families with autism, there is no better way to do it.’
CBS anchor of KCAL News, Pat Harvey on stage speaking to attendees. SNN 17th Pink Pump Affair. Photo courtesy of Jerry Lexion of Diamond Dust Photography.
Recipient of the Innovator award, President and CEO of Habitat for Humanity Greater LA Erin G. Rank, spoke about the meaning behind her award. “It is such a deep honor because the Special Needs Network has been helping the community with everything from housing, education, and access to healthcare. They have been giving people mentorship to navigate all of the complexities of our healthcare and education system.”
Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit organization that focuses on creating, building, and providing accessible housing for families in the greater Los Angeles area and the world, working with over 70 countries. The organization currently has a partnership with SNN.
Singer and actress Shanice, who is best known for her Grammy-nominated single “I Love Your Smile,” also attended the event and was a Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. This year marks her first year of attending the Pink Pump Affair. The singer admitted that while she is a shy person, she was looking forward to receiving her honor. “I am super excited to be here and to be honored, it is such a blessing. Anyone who knows me knows I am extremely shy. I am going to get on that stage and just speak from my heart.”
She is also an advocate for breast cancer awareness and first spoke publicly about being a survivor last year, in which she told Our Weekly she had moments of doubt before opening up.
“At first I wasn’t going to speak publicly about the breast cancer situation but I told myself ‘no, I want to go public because I use my voice for music and to sing but now it is time to use my voice for other women. I even heard that men can get breast cancer as well, so I just want to encourage everyone to get screened.”
Shanice deeply cares about advocating for women to get mammogram screenings every two years. She currently is playing Michelle Obama in a musical called “44,” which she has done for the last 3 years.
An accomplished woman who has a career that has spanned over 30 years, Shannon Nash is certified public accountant, attorney, and board director at Netflix and Lazy Restaurants. Nash received the Trailblazer Award at the Pink Pump Affair.
She told Our Weekly how significant it is, as she met Martin 20 years ago when her son was seven years old. Both ladies have many things in common, such as being successful attorneys, parents of autistic children, and more. “To fast forward to where we are now with both of our sons being grown adults and having their own success, the struggles we’ve had together, the advocacy we both have done… It is so humbling to see all of this come full circle.”
Nash also said that events such as the Pink Pump Affair are essential for autistic people to be able to thrive, especially in modern times in which day-to-day life brings many challenges.
“In today’s times, we need this type of advocacy now more than ever!”
Award-winning actress, comedian, and SNN board member, Kym Whitley, was the celebrity auctioneer who was excited to assist in her role at the event “I’m excited; I’ve got my friends with me, and I’ve got some people with money!”
During the interview with Our Weekly, she politely took a brief pause and acknowledged fellow guests on the carpet to say hello and encouraged them to participate in the auction, especially for the youth across the autistic spectrum who are in need, Eaton Canyon Fire victims and for JPAC. Whitley also listed some of her shoes from her personal collection for the celebrity auction.
Fashion guru and chief marketing executive at StyleCan, Galina Sobolev, was recognized at SNN’s Pink Pump Affair as one of their women of distinction and a recipient of the Visionary Award.
In honor of the award, she said, “This award means a lot to me, as I’ve been a supporter of the Pink Pump Affair for the last 15 years. I absolutely adore Areva… it is my incredible pleasure and honor to be a part of this organization, this event, and the Special Needs Network.” Sobolev is also the Lifestyle and Fashion editor at Bella Vida Magazine.