18th Annual A Pink Pump Affair Shines Again in Beverly Hills, Honoring Trailblazers and Raising Critical Support for Autism & Disability Programs

(Courtesy of Diamond Dust Photography)

Beverly Hills, CA — Special Needs Network (SNN), founded by award-winning civil rights attorney and media personality Areva Martin, hosted a record-breaking 18th Annual A Pink Pump Affair on Sunday, May 17, at The Beverly Hilton. This year’s vibrant “Carnival”–themed celebration welcomed more than 500 guests for an unforgettable afternoon of fashion, philanthropy, and powerful storytelling centered on equity, disability justice, and community empowerment.

Presented by Capital Group and U.S. Bank, the event was chaired by Los Angeles entertainment attorneyBonnie Berry LaMon and co-chaired by Rahel Cook and Areva Martin. Event management was led byNicole Dohrman of Dreams In Detail, with floral and event design by Donna Robinson of Gala Divas.

The program was hosted by Kym Whitley, award-winning actress, comedian & SNN board member, alongside CBS and 26-time Emmy Award-winning broadcast journalist Pat Harvey.

The event honored three extraordinary women:

• Visionary Award: Yvette Nicole Brown, award-winning actress, producer, and writer 

• Trailblazer Award: Renata Simril, President & CEO, LA84 Foundation

• Everyday Advocate Award: Dani Bowman, animation entrepreneur and star of Netflix’s Love on the Spectrum

“Pink Pump is where the work meets the celebration. Every dollar raised in that ballroom translates directly into a child at JPAC, a young adult finding their first job through Special Flavours, a family getting the early intervention services they were told they couldn’t access,” said Areva Martin, Founder of Special Needs Network. “The women we honored this year, and the next generation rising through our NextGen Collective, are proof that disability justice is a movement with momentum. Los Angeles showed up for our families. We are profoundly grateful.”

VIP guests included Mayor Karen Bass, Vivica A. Fox,Jordan Chiles (World Cup and Olympic gold medalist), Breanna Clark (three-time Paralympic gold medalist), Porscha Coleman, Dawnn Lewis, Gabrielle Dennis, and philanthropic and entertainment leaders from across Los Angeles.

Guests enjoyed a vibrant pink carpet experience, a silent auction featuring more than 45 luxury packages, and a spirited live auction with premium concert packages featuring tickets to see Ariana Grande, Chris Brown, and Usher. 

One of the afternoon’s most powerful moments came when 19-year-old Devin Wells, a neurodivergent young man employed through SNN’s Special Flavours culinary workforce program, shared his journey overcoming bullying, isolation, and limited opportunities. Devin spoke about finding confidence, community, and his first job through Special Flavours, bringing the ballroom to its feet. His testimony moved entrepreneur and producer Quincy Smith to spontaneously pledge to purchase Devin his very first car.

Mayor Karen Bass delivered remarks recognizing SNN’s impact across Los Angeles, applauding the organization’s commitment to underserved families and disability inclusion, and encouraging civic engagement ahead of the upcoming primary election.

The program concluded with a stunning runway presentation by designer Kevan Hall and an intimate book signing by Dr. Kimberlé Crenshaw for her new release, Backtalker.

This year also marked the debut of SNN’s NextGen Collective, an initiative chaired by Morgan Martin, a rising attorney and SNN’s youngest board member, to engage the next generation of leaders around advocacy, culture, philanthropy, and disability justice.

Proceeds from the Pink Pump Affair will support LA Inclusive, a bold regional workforce initiative designed to prepare 1,000 neurodivergent individuals for employment opportunities connected to the FIFA World Cup, Olympic Games, and Paralympic Games coming to Los Angeles. Funds will also support the Joe Patton Academy Camp (JPAC), Los Angeles’ only free full-day inclusion summer camp for children with autism and developmental disabilities.

About Special Needs Network

Founded in 2005, Special Needs Network is a Los Angeles-based nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with autism and developmental disabilities through advocacy, education, and direct services. Learn more at snnla.org.

        (Courtesy of Diamond Dust Photography)

        (Courtesy of Diamond Dust Photography)

        (Courtesy of Diamond Dust Photography)