The 17th annual fundraising event produced by actress Holly Robinson-Peete and her husband Rodney Peete through their nonprofit organization, The HollyRod Foundation (HRF) benefited those with Parkinson’s disease and autism.
Credit/Copyright: Tiffany Rose/Getty Images for HollyRod Foundation
The 2015 DesignCare Gala took place on Saturday, August 8th and featured a special musical performances by soulful siren Kimberly Nichole and Jussie Smollett, star of FOX’s hit new show EMPIRE, and a fashion show by designer Adolfo Sanchez.
Celebrity attendees included:
Holly Robinson Peete, Rodney Peete, Eva Longoria, Jussie Smollett, (“Empire”), Lee Daniels, Kimberly Nichole, Chaz Dean (Celebrity Hair Stylist), Star Jones, Amy Yasbeck, Gretchen Rossi (“Real Housewives of Orange County”), Regina King, Laila Ali, Allen Maldonado (STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON, “Black-ish”), Yara Shahidi (“Black-ish”), Stephen Bishop (“Being Mary Jane”), Charlotte Ross (“Arrow”), Hailey Sole (“Wet Hot American Summer”), Gloria Govan (“Basketball Wives”), Evelyn Lozada (“Livin Lozada”), Jimmy Jam (legendary record producer) and wife Lisa Padilla, Nicole Murphy, Chaz Dean (Celebrity Hair Stylist, designers Adolfo Sanchez and Michael Costello.
Guests arrived at The LOT Studios in West Hollywood for cocktails and silent auction bidding, followed by a delicious buffet dinner provided by Outback Steakhouse all under the stars of the beautiful and clear night. Guests were then invited into the large studio space for the program to begin where hosts Holly Robinson Peete and Rodney Peete walked and danced on the runway to the delight of all the guests.
The Gala honored Jessica Herrin (Founder & CEO of Stella & Dot) with the 2015 HollyRod Corporate Compassion Award, Amy & Russell Meyerowitz (Founders, The Meyrow Foundation) with the 2015 HollyRod Angel on the Path Award, Dillan Barmache (non-verbal teen with autism who gave his graduation speech with the help from his iPad) with the HollyRod Autism Champion Award, and Vincente King (“American Ninja Warrior” contestant with autism) with the HollyRod Autism Champion Award. Designer Adolfo Sanchez cultivated a vibrant fashion show featuring his latest collection, with beautiful hair styling by celebrity stylist Chaz Dean and makeup by NARS. There was a live auction and donations came through by the dozens via mobile pledge – surpassing the $20,000 goal within minutes. The gala closed the night with LIVE performances by exquisite songstress Kimberly Nichole and EMPIRE’s Jussie Smollett who had the audience up on their feet dancing to “You’re So Beautiful.”
