LOS ANGELES — In a celebration of philanthropy, resilience, and community advocacy, Hollywood icons Samuel L. Jackson and LaTanya Richardson Jackson have been named as the recipients of the esteemed Clarence & Jacqueline Avant Humanitarian Award. The power couple, renowned both for their legendary contributions to the cinematic and theatrical arts and for their unwavering commitment to social causes, will be honored at the HollyRod Foundation’s upcoming signature fundraising event.
The gala, scheduled for November 7 in Los Angeles, marks a monumental milestone for the nonprofit organization. Founded in 1999 by actress and activist Holly Robinson Peete and her husband, former NFL quarterback Rodney Peete, the HollyRod Foundation has spent nearly three decades providing critical resources, compassionate care, and amplified awareness to families navigating the complex realities of autism and Parkinson’s disease diagnoses.
This year’s gala operates under the inspiring theme “Action in Motion,” a rallying cry designed to underscore the foundation’s ongoing commitment to turning passive awareness into tangible, life-changing support for families in need.
Main Facts: A Star-Studded Night of Purpose
The annual HollyRod Foundation gala is perennially one of the most anticipated philanthropic events on the Los Angeles calendar, blending the glamour of the entertainment industry with deep-rooted community service. The centerpiece of this year’s event will be the presentation of the Clarence & Jacqueline Avant Humanitarian Award to Samuel L. Jackson and LaTanya Richardson Jackson.
The Jacksons join an elite cadre of past humanitarian honorees who have used their global platforms to champion social good, including cinematic trailblazers Viola Davis, Don Cheadle, Naomi Campbell, and Bridgid Coulter.
However, the Jacksons are not the only luminaries slated to be recognized during the high-profile evening. The HollyRod Foundation has announced a robust slate of honorees whose personal and public lives reflect the evening’s "Action in Motion" ethos:
- Maureen McCormick and American Airlines Customer Care Manager Bruce Sickler will be honored with the Angel on the Path Award for their dedication to compassionate service and advocacy.
- Ahman Green, the Green Bay Packers’ all-time leading rusher who recently courageously shared his diagnosis of early-onset Parkinson’s disease, will receive the Matthew Thomas Robinson Courage Award.
- Camille Joy Robinson (founder of the Ausomely Different Foundation and host of the Moments of Joy podcast) alongside Love on. the Spectrum breakout star Tanner Smith will be bestowed with the HollyRod Hero Award.
- Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernández and his wife, Jennifer Hernández, will be recognized with the HollyRod Champions of Belonging Award for their inclusive community efforts.
Chronology: Two Decades of Impact and the Evolution of HollyRod
To fully understand the weight of the honors being handed out on November 7, one must look back at the origins and evolution of the HollyRod Foundation, a journey defined by personal trials transformed into public triumphs.
1999: The Genesis of a Mission
The foundation was established in 1999 by Holly Robinson Peete and Rodney Peete. The impetus for the organization was deeply personal. Rodney Peete’s father, Matthew Thomas Robinson Jr., a beloved television producer and actor (best known for playing Gordon on Sesame Street), was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Witnessing firsthand the emotional, physical, and financial toll the neurodegenerative disease took on her father and family, Robinson Peete recognized an urgent need for comprehensive support systems for families facing similar diagnoses.
The Expansion into Autism Advocacy
As the foundation grew, the Peetes expanded their mission to encompass autism spectrum disorders. This expansion was catalyzed by another personal milestone: when their son, Rodney Jr., was diagnosed with autism at an early age. Navigating the labyrinth of medical resources, therapies, and societal misconceptions inspired the couple to channel their resources into autism advocacy. They sought to destigmatize the condition and ensure that families from all socio-economic backgrounds could access vital care and educational tools.
2026: Celebrating 27 Years of Service
Over the past 27 years, HollyRod has grown from a grassroots family initiative into a powerhouse nonprofit. Through signature programs like compassionate care grants, specialized support groups, and public awareness campaigns, the foundation has touched the lives of thousands of families. The upcoming gala marks not just a fundraising milestone, but a testament to the longevity and enduring relevance of the organization’s mission in an ever-changing healthcare landscape.
Supporting Data: The Expanding Footprint of Autism and Parkinson’s Disease
The urgency behind the HollyRod Foundation’s mission is underscored by compelling public health data regarding both autism and Parkinson’s disease in the United States.
The Autism Landscape
According to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network, approximately 1 in 36 children in the U.S. has been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The rising prevalence highlights an escalating demand for early diagnostic resources, inclusive educational frameworks, and lifelong support systems—areas where HollyRod’s grant-making and community programs have historically made profound interventions.
The Parkinson’s Disease Burden
Parkinson’s disease remains the second most common neurodegenerative disorder globally, trailing only Alzheimer’s disease. Recent studies published by the Parkinson’s Foundation indicate that nearly one million people in the United States are living with Parkinson’s, a number projected to rise significantly as the population ages. Furthermore, organizations like the Parkinson’s Foundation emphasize the critical need for mental health support, physical therapy, and caregiver respite—services that are frequently inaccessible without the intervention of dedicated philanthropic networks like HollyRod.
The inclusion of figures like Ahman Green—who brings athletic visibility to early-onset Parkinson’s—plays a vital role in dismantling the archaic stereotype that neurodegenerative diseases exclusively affect the elderly.
Official Responses: Voices Behind the Mission
The announcement of the 2026 gala honorees has elicited heartfelt responses from the founders and leaders driving the foundation forward.
Holly Robinson Peete elaborated on the thematic framework guiding this year’s event, emphasizing the importance of practical, everyday empathy.
"Every honoree this year has taken our mission and put it into real, everyday action — for their own families, their communities, and the families we serve," Robinson Peete stated. "That’s exactly the spirit behind Action in Motion, and we couldn’t be prouder to celebrate them."
The selection of Samuel L. Jackson and LaTanya Richardson Jackson for the Clarence & Jacqueline Avant Humanitarian Award highlights the couple’s extensive history of quiet and public philanthropy. Beyond their towering cinematic achievements—spanning decades of iconic roles and artistic leadership—the Jacksons have consistently lent their names, time, and financial resources to educational initiatives, medical research, and social justice causes. Their advocacy mirrors the legacy of Clarence and Jacqueline Avant, the legendary entertainment and civil rights icons whose names grace the humanitarian award.
Rodney Peete has frequently emphasized that the success of the foundation relies on the collective efforts of the community, corporate partners, and allies in the sports and entertainment arenas. By uniting figures from Major League Baseball (Teoscar and Jennifer Hernández), the NFL (Ahman Green), television (Love on the Spectrum’s Tanner Smith, Maureen McCormick), and cinematic royalty (the Jacksons), the foundation creates a cross-cultural coalition of compassion.
Implications: Changing the Narrative on Caregiving and Inclusion
The impact of the HollyRod Foundation’s 27th annual gala extends far beyond a single night of celebration in Los Angeles. Events of this magnitude carry significant cultural and systemic implications for how society views caregiving, neurodiversity, and chronic illness.
Elevating the Visibility of Caregivers
One of the most profound implications of HollyRod’s ongoing work is the spotlight it shines on unpaid family caregivers. Often referred to as the invisible backbone of the healthcare system, caregivers face staggering rates of burnout, depression, and financial strain. By centering events around themes like "Action in Motion" and honoring individuals who embody resilience—such as Bruce Sickler and Maureen McCormick—the foundation validates the emotional labor required to support a loved one with autism or Parkinson’s.
Normalizing Neurodiversity and Chronic Illness
When public figures like Ahman Green openly discuss their early-onset Parkinson’s diagnoses, or when programs like Love on the Spectrum bring neurodivergent narratives into mainstream living rooms (represented at the gala by Tanner Smith), public perception shifts. The stigma historically associated with neurological differences begins to dissolve, replaced by a cultural framework that champions inclusion, accessibility, and systemic equity.
The Financial Lifeline for Families
On a practical level, the funds raised during the November 7 gala serve as a vital financial lifeline. For many families denied adequate coverage by traditional insurance providers, HollyRod’s grants cover essential therapies, assistive technologies, and medical treatments that would otherwise be out of reach. As healthcare costs continue to fluctuate and institutional support remains strained, the role of independent foundations becomes increasingly critical to the survival and well-being of vulnerable populations.
Conclusion and Attendance Information
As the HollyRod Foundation prepares to mark its 27th anniversary, the "Action in Motion" gala stands as a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of community-driven philanthropy. Through the combined star power of Samuel L. Jackson, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, and a diverse roster of dedicated honorees, the organization continues to inspire a new generation of advocates.
For individuals interested in supporting the foundation’s mission, attending the November 7 gala in Los Angeles, or contributing directly to the cause of autism and Parkinson’s disease support, further information and ticket purchasing options are available directly through the official HollyRod Foundation website.
Layla Zulfa
Neng Nana
Asro
