SPECIAL NEEDS NETWORK'S 9TH ANNUAL EVENING UNDER THE STARS.
Angela Bassett and Kathy Bates spent an “Evening Under The Stars” on Saturday but it wasn’t to promote their upcoming roles in "American Horror Story." Instead, the Hollywood legends gathered at Sony Studios for the Special Needs Network’s 9th Annual Charity Gala, benefitting children with autism and special needs .
Angela Bassett and Kathy Bates spent an “Evening Under The Stars” on Saturday but it wasn’t to promote their upcoming roles in "American Horror Story." Instead, the Hollywood legends gathered at Sony Studios for the Special Needs Network’s 9th Annual Charity Gala, benefitting children with autism and special needs .
Bassett was honored with the “Trailblazer Award” for her charity efforts. Her co-star, Kathy Bates, flew in to Los Angeles just before the intimate event to present her cherished friend with the honor.
“I really jumped at the chance,” says Bates, “I just got in about an hour ago but I thought ‘I’ve got to do this for her.”
The Special Needs Network also honored the legendary percussionist, Sheila E. with the “Everyday Advocate” award.
“Being a part of this is really special and near to my heart because I do have family members with autism,” says the Grammy-nominated drummer.
“I’m excited but I’m very humbled and I don’t do things to get awards; I do things because I’m in service to people and I love what I do so it’s very nice to be recognized but I have a lot of work to do.”
Like her fellow award-recipient, Bassett also expressed that she was humbled to receive an award, but emphasized that the night was about raising money and awareness for autistic children.
“They’re precious,” says the actress.
“Perhaps they need more of our help than the child next to them but there may be greater potential in that child,” she says.
The Gala was intimate and modest, with simple and elegant black and gold décor. The evening kicked off with a silent auction during the red carpet arrivals, where attendees could bid on artwork done by special needs children at the Network’s Camp JPAC. The red carpet was followed by an outdoor award ceremony on the Sony Studios Lawn, and a formal dinner topped off with a night of dancing.
“Every single dollar counts and every person who can raise their voice to raise awareness about autism makes a difference.”
All proceeds from the Gala will fund the first-ever Autism Medical & Developmental School-Related Clinic on the Martin Luther King Hospital campus.
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