The HollyRod Foundation’s 17th Annual DesignCare Gala

Photo Credit: Tiffany Rose/Getty Images for HollyRod Foundation

Over the weekend, Holly Robinson Peete and husband Rodney Peete hosted the HollyRod Foundation‘s 17th Annual DesignCare Gala in West Hollywood; the couple’s nonprofit organization benefits those with Parkinson’s disease and autism.

Guests arrived at The LOT Studios in West Hollywood for cocktails and silent auction bidding, followed by a buffet dinner under the stars. Guests were then invited into the large studio space for the program to begin where the Peetes 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.”

Additional attendees included Star Jones, Amy Yasbeck, Gretchen Rossi, Regina King, Laila Ali, Allen Maldonado, Yara Shahidi, Stephen Bishop, Hailey Sole, Eva Longoria, Jimmy Jam, Nicole Murphy and Michael Costello.

The HollyRod Foundation was created in 1999 after they lost Holly’s father to Parkinson’s and their eldest son, R.J. was diagnosed with autism.  In October 2012, after years of planning and strategizing, HRF awarded its inaugural grant to develop and launch the HollyRod Autism Compassionate Care Center, a unique constellation of autism resources, services, and one-one-one support, all with a family-centered focus at California State University, Northridge.  The foundation seeks to fill an unmet need by providing compassionate care and services to underserved individuals and families that are burdened financially and emotionally by a diagnosis.

Photo Credit: Tiffany Rose/Getty Images for Hollyrod Foundation