'Pink Pump Affair' Raises Money For Kids With Special Needs

STUDIO CITY (CBSLA.com) — Special Needs Network president Areva Martin stopped by KCAL9 Saturday morning to discuss the organization's upcoming "Pink Pump Affair."

The fundraising event will kick off Sunday at the Montage Beverly Hills.

"It's a party with a purpose," Martin said.

"This event is really special because it brings together women — women from corporate America, entertainment, non-profit, elected officials — and women come together to really stand up for kids, stand up for families and say that kids with special needs matter. They raise money and they raise awareness. And it's so important given that one in 64 kids have autism."

This year, CBS2/KCAL9's Pat Harvey will be honored at the event.

"She does so much in the community for so many organizations and we're just thrilled to have her be a part of this year's event... She's the best ambassador we could have for special needs kids," Martin added.

Money raised will help fund the JPAC summer camp, held in Baldwin Hills this summer.

"They get academic enrichment, sports, music, dance, art, drama," Martin explained of the benefits to those attending. "So many things that help kids who have autism and other special needs grow in terms of their language development, their skill development — and most of all they have fun and they make lots of friends."

For more information about the "Pink Pump Affair," visit the Special Needs Network website.