Eva Longoria, Star Jones, and Laila Ali were among the celebs in attendance at the Hollyrod Foundation’s 17th Annual Design Care Gala, at The Lot Studios in West Hollywood on Aug. 8. Actress Holly Robinson Peete and her husband Rodney Peete produced the event through their non-profit organization, Hollyrod Foundation, which benefits those with Parkinson’s disease and autism.
After a silent auction, Outback Steakhouse provided dinner, and some of the honored guests included director Lee Daniels, celebrity hair stylist Chaz Dean, actress Amy Yasbeck, and legendary record producer Jimmy Jam and his wife Lisa Padilla. The fab show included a special musical performance by Kimberly Nicole and Jussie Smollett (star of Fox’s hit show, “Empire”); plus a fashion show commenced by designer Adolfo Sanchez.
The event honored Jessica Herrin, founder of Stella & Dot, and Amy and Russell Meyerowitz, founders of The Meyrow Foundation. Kudos to the Peete family and their supporters for fulfilling an urgent need by providing compassionate care and services to those burdened financially and emotionally by a diagnosis.
Secondly, Shemar Moore – best known for his role as FBI Special Agent Derek Morgan on the CBS hit show “Criminal Minds,” was honored at the 40th Annual Dinner of Champions, benefiting the National MS Society at our own Century Plaza Hotel on Aug. 27.
Moore has been a major supporter and ambassador to the MS Society for 10 years through the annual Bike MS Coastal Challenge cycling event, in honor of his mom, Marilyn, who lives with MS. Many of his colleagues from “Criminal Minds,” including Joe Mantegna and Kristen Vangsness were there on-hand for moral support.
Actor and comedian Anthony Griffith performed; and Jillian Escoto, radio personality, served as Master of Ceremonies. Both Griffith and Escoto are living with MS. Did you know that MS affects 2.3 million worldwide? The MS Foundation raises funds for research, programs, and services, and raising awareness about MS itself. For further information about how you can become involved in this worthy organization, call 1.800.FIGHT.MS (344.4867).