Hollywood, Toyota, Google, Sony, and CBS Join Forces to Benefit Autism Organization
Areva D. Martin, Esq. founded the Special Needs Network in 2005 after her son Marty was diagnosed with autism at age 2. Ten years later, the organization has become one of the leading groups for raising awareness and providing resources to children, adults, and families throughout California. On October 3, the Special Needs Network is hosting their 10th annual Evening Under The Stars: The Future is Bright celebrity gala and award show at the Sony Pictures Lot at 10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City.
The event begins at 6 p.m. with the red carpet event, followed by a reception, Wolfgang Puck hosted dinner, silent auction, award ceremony, and live performance by Grammy-nominated artist B. Slade and Angie Fisher.
KNBC reporter Beverly White will emcee the event, which will honor Google and Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas for their contributions to the special needs community. Google has given $20 million in grants through their What If program to aid in the development of technology to assist disabled people. Supervisor Ridley-Thomas who was instrumental in helping open the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Hospital in South Los Angeles, the same facility that is also the location of SNN’s clinic for autistic children, which is in the process of being established. Other honorary chairs that will receive recognition that evening are Los Angeles City Council President Herb Wesson, Representative Karen Bass, and Senator Isadore Hall.
Plans for the evening also include Special Needs Network revealing a mini-documentary produced by CBS’ local Los Angeles affiliate. Celebrities in attendance will include Tommy Davidson, Ernie Hudson, Carla Ortiz, Taylor Armstrong, Peter Fonda, and more. Sponsors for the event include Sony, CBS, and Toyota. For more information visit snnla.org.
