Art & Style

(PHOTOS) Eva Longoria, Dwayne Wade, Gabrielle Union, Magic Johnson and More Attend HollyRod Foundation DesignCare Gala

Published on July 31, 2019

The plight of people living with autism and Parkinson’s disease was top of mind at the 21^st Annual DesignCare Gala, which raises funds for the Holly Robinson Peete and Rodney Peete’s HollyRod Foundation.

Held at Saddlerock Ranch in Malibu, this year’s gala honored actress and philanthropist Eva Longoria (HollyRod Humanitarian Award); Jimmy Choi of American Ninja Warrior (Matthew T. Robinson, Jr. Award of Courage); civil rights attorney and talk show host Areva Martin (Angel on the Path Award); autistic NCAA basketball player Kalin Bennett (HollyRod Hero Award); and Mike Triplett on behalf of Cigna, the health services company (HollyRod Corporate Compassion Award).

The gala featured a silent auction packed with sports memorabilia and a buffet that included Wagyu steak, truffled gnocchi, tuna rolls, chicken kabobs, plant-based sliders, salads, dips and choices of seafood or veggie paella

Designer Pamella Roland, who dressed Eva Longoria and Holly Robinson Peete for the evening, cultivated a runway show featuring her Resort 2020 collection. There was a live auction and donations came through by the dozens via mobile pledge. The gala closed the night with a performance by legendary band Cameo, led by Larry Blackmon.

The Robinson-Peete family have a person connection with the cause, as their son RJ has autism and Holly’s father, Matt Robinson, had Parkinson’s disease. Their struggles with the conditions prompted the family to start the HollyRod Foundation.

In total the event raised about $700,000, which includes funds raised from the auctions, additional contributions, sponsorships and event tickets.

Celebrities in attendance included Gabrielle Union, Dwayne Wade, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Yvette Nicole Brown, Candace Cameron Bure, Jimmy Jam, Skai Jackson, Tina & Richard Lawson, Laila Ali-Conway and more.

For more information about the HollyRod Foundation and or to to, visit the organization’s website.

See photos from the 21^st Annual DesignCare Gala below.