Women of Influence Step up in Support of Autism

Holly Robinson-Peete, Janice Bryant Howroyd, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, KeKe Palmer, Tichina Arnold and Vanessa Bell-Calloway among those supporting the "Pink Pump Affair," a High Tea, Couture Fashion Show and Awards Gala to Raise Awareness and Funds for Children with Autism and Related Disorders

Los Angeles, California- (April 28, 2009) - On Sunday May 17, Special Needs Network Inc. will host its first annual "Pink Pump Affair," inviting women to wear pink pumps in support of autism. This star-studded event will take place at the new Montage Hotel in Beverly Hills at 2 p.m. At the tea, the Special Needs Network will honor five women who are committed to enriching their communities and making a difference. Women of Distinction Honorees include Holly Robinson-Peete, Actress, and Autism Advocate; Dr. Ruth Creary, CEO Visiting Angels; Janice Bryant Howroyd, CEO, Act-1 Group; and Carliss McGhee, President and Co-Founder, Khocolate Keepsakes. Congresswoman Maxine Waters will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award.

In addition to afternoon tea, the event includes a couture fashion show with designs by Trina Turk and Edward Lowell's of Beverly Hills, a shoe auction featuring designer shoes by Jimmy Choo, Stuart Weitzman, Athena Alexander, Callisto of California, Taryn Rose and other must have designers. Entertainment news correspondent and noted journalist, Tanya Hart, will serve as mistress of ceremonies.

Celebrity honorary chairs and guests include Leeza Gibbons, KeKe Palmer, Dayna Devon, Tichina Arnold, Vanessa Bell-Calloway, Taryn Rose, Beverly White, and many more.

The "Pink Pump Affair" is sponsored by Broadway Federal Bank, Time Warner Cable, Martin & Martin LLP, Trina Turk, Taryn Rose, L'Oreal Paris, Edwards-Lowell Furs, Union Bank of California, & Frederick's of Hollywood. The official Shoe Sponsor for the event is J&A Shoes.

Special Needs Network Inc. is a non-profit, community-based organization with a mission to raise public awareness of developmental disabilities, particularly as it relates to autism while providing education and resources to families, children and adults in underserved communities particularly in South and South Central Los Angeles.

Proceeds from the May 17th gala will be used to fund Special Needs Network's parent training and the Joe Patton Advanced Academy for youth. For more information on Special Needs Network Inc., visit http://www.specialneedsnetwork.net/ and for information on the gala, contact Todd Hawkins of the Todd Group at 310-649-6040.

Source: TheTodd Group