Holly Robinson-Peete and Rodney Peete hosted the HollyRod 2023 DesignCare Gala at The Beehive on July 15, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.
The couple, alongside their children RJ Peete, Roman Peete, and Ryan Elizabeth Peete, were joined by esteemed guests as they celebrated the 25th anniversary of the HollyRod Foundation.
Before the gala, Rodney Peete expressed pride in the foundation’s accomplishments over the years.
“We are so proud of what we have accomplished in the past 25 years,” said Rodney Peete prior to the event. “But we know there is still so much more work to be done. We are committed to continuing to provide support to families affected by Parkinson’s and autism, and we hope that this gala will help us raise awareness and funds for our important work.”
The gala featured performances by D-Nice and showcased the impressive fashions by Sergio Hudson. Additionally, several individuals were honored for their humanitarian efforts.
Supermodel Naomi Campbell received the prestigious inaugural Jacqueline Avant Award, named in memory of the late philanthropist and wife of music producer Clarence Avant. As she could not attend, Kimora Lee Simmons accepted the award on her behalf. Additionally, Nicole Ari Parker and Boris Kodjoe were recognized with the Muhammad Ali Trailblazer Award.
The HollyRod Foundation was founded in 1999 by Holly Robinson Peete and Rodney Peete after their son, RJ, was diagnosed with autism. Now 25 years old, RJ is thriving despite doctors’ earlier predictions.
“We were told he would never drive, never have meaningful employment. And he just left in his car to go to Dodgers Stadium, where he works. For me now, watching him soar, watching him thrive, seeing him have friends, watching him have a whole baseball team who cares about him, watching him have purpose — it’s the greatest gift,” Holly shared in a recent interview.
(Photo by Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images).
