Raise Money For Children With Autism At An 'Evening Under the Stars'

STUDIO CITY (CBS) — Autism activist Areva Martin visited the KCAL 9 studios Wednesday.

A bill that mandates health coverage of behavioral health treatment for those with autism passed the Assembly and the Senate on September 9th in what is considered a landmark victory. Martin, at the forefront of this bill, testified in front of the Senate committee to have this pushed through and her non-profit, Special Needs Network, is a sponsor of the bill.

Gov. Jerry Brown must sign the bill by October 9th for it to pass. Thus far, 27 states have passed similar bills.

Martin's Special Needs Network is also hosting its annual gala on Oct. 9. The gala will celebrate local champions including Senator Darrell Steinberg the author of SB 946 at the annual Evening Under the Stars gala. The event brings together 400 business and community leaders and parents and raises money for Camp JPAC the only free inclusion camp for kids with autism and their peers. This year Sandra Mitchell and the entire CBS team will be out.

For more information on the gala, click here.