Rodney Peete and Holly Robinson Peete celebrated the 21st Annual HollyRod Foundation’s DesignCare Gala in Malibu, California on a private location on July 27, 2019. The foundation raised close to $700,000.
The HollyRod Foundation mission is to expand and provide resources to families affected by an autism diagnosis. The foundation provides technology to children’s hospital and autism centers. They also support grants to support toddlers to young adults in over a dozen locations across the United States. The group is dedicated to providing compassionate care to those living with autism and Parkinson’s disease. The Peete’s started this foundation, because their eldest son RJ was diagnosed with autism.
Each year, the Peete’s family honors a few individuals with a special awards. Eva Longoria (Actress / Philanthropist) received the HollyRod Humanitarian Award. Areva Martin (Civil Rights Attorney) received the Angel on the Path Award. American Ninja Warrior and Advocate for Parkinson’s, Mr. Jimmy Choi received the Matthew T. Robinson, Jr. Award for Courage. Kalin Bennett (NCAA Basketball Player with autism) received the HollyRod Hero Award, and lastly, Kodi Lee (Blind singer with autism) received a HollyRod Hero Award as well.
The legendary Soul-Funk music group Cameo entertained the guests. The attendees enjoyed a delicious meal, along with drinks of their choice and guests got to participate in an auction of unique gifts.
Many supporters came out to enjoy the outdoor event during the hot summer day. For hundreds of supporters who came out, a few walked the red carpet. Eva Longoria, Magic & Cookie Johnson, Jimmy Choi, Kalin Bennett, Kodi Lee, Areva Martin, Dwayne Wade and Gabrielle Union, Laila Ali, Yvette Nicole Brown, Candace Cameron Bure, Eva LaRue, Alex Meneses, Amy Yasbeck, Boris Kodjoe, Essence Atkins, Jonathan Adams, Kiki Shepard, Saki Jackson, Charlotte Ross, Sharon Leal, Brytni Sarpy, Kim Hawthorne, Lincoln Younes, Angela Lewis, Nika King, Samantha Ware, Denyse Tontz, Camerone Parker, Emma Fuhrmann, Skye Townsend, Lawrence Kao and many others.
Thank you to the Peete’s family for gathering every year to raise funds for this foundation to help families with suffer from autism and Parkinson’s disability.