LOS ANGELES — Entertainment powerhouses Samuel L. Jackson and LaTanya Richardson Jackson are set to receive the esteemed Clarence & Jacqueline Avant Humanitarian Award at the HollyRod Foundation’s upcoming annual gala. The event, which serves as the premier fundraising cornerstone for the organization, celebrates decades of dedicated philanthropic leadership, advocacy, and community building.
Founded in 1999 by actress and activist Holly Robinson Peete and her husband, former NFL quarterback Rodney Peete, the HollyRod Foundation has spent 27 years providing vital resources, compassionate care, and unwavering support to families navigating diagnoses of autism and Parkinson’s disease. This year’s gala, carrying the inspiring theme “Action in Motion,” is scheduled to take place on November 7 in Los Angeles, drawing luminaries from entertainment, sports, and philanthropy to honor champions of change.
Main Facts
The marquee announcement of the gala’s honoree lineup centers on Samuel L. Jackson and LaTanya Richardson Jackson, two of Hollywood’s most enduring and respected figures, who will be presented with the Clarence & Jacqueline Avant Humanitarian Award. Named in honor of the legendary music executive Clarence Avant and his late wife Jacqueline—philanthropic giants known for their lifelong commitment to civil rights, the arts, and charitable causes—the award recognizes individuals who have used their platforms to effect profound social change.
The Jacksons join a distinguished roster of past humanitarian honorees who have left indelible marks on both the entertainment industry and society at large. Previous recipients include global icons and acclaimed performers such as Naomi Campbell, Viola Davis, Don Cheadle, and Bridgid Coulter.
Beyond the Jacksons, the November 7 gala will celebrate a diverse array of individuals and advocates who exemplify the spirit of community service and resilience:
- Maureen McCormick and American Airlines customer care manager Bruce Sickler will receive the Angel on the Path Award.
- Ahman Green, the Green Bay Packers’ all-time leading rusher who recently announced his diagnosis with early-onset Parkinson’s disease, will be honored with the Matthew Thomas Robinson Courage Award.
- Camille Joy Robinson (founder of the Ausomely Different Foundation and host of the “Moments of Joy” podcast) alongside Tanner Smith of Netflix’s hit series Love on the Spectrum will be presented with the HollyRod Hero Award.
- Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernández and his wife, Jennifer Hernández, will accept the HollyRod Champions of Belonging Award.
Chronology: The Evolution of the HollyRod Foundation
To understand the weight of the HollyRod Foundation’s annual gala, one must look back at the trajectory of the organization, which was born out of personal trial and transformed into a national beacon of hope.
The Genesis (1990s)
The roots of the HollyRod Foundation trace back to a deeply personal family experience. Rodney Peete’s father, Matthew Thomas Robinson—for whom the foundation’s courage award is named—was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Watching a beloved patriarch battle the degenerative neurological disorder left an indelible mark on Holly Robinson Peete and Rodney Peete. Recognizing the immense emotional, physical, and financial toll that chronic illnesses exact on families, the couple resolved to create a support system that would bridge the gap in care and awareness.
Establishment and Early Years (1999–2000s)
In 1999, Holly Robinson Peete and Rodney Peete officially established the HollyRod Foundation. Initially focusing heavily on Parkinson’s disease research and support, the foundation soon expanded its mission. As Holly’s connection to the neurodivergent community deepened—accentuated by her own family’s experiences—the foundation integrated autism awareness, diagnosis support, and family care into its core pillars.
Expanding the Footprint (2010s)
Throughout the 2010s, the HollyRod Foundation evolved from a grassroots initiative into a nationally recognized powerhouse. The organization launched signature initiatives, including the HollyRod Compassionate Care Program, which provides medical, physical, and emotional support to individuals living with Parkinson’s disease, and various autism-focused programs offering respite care, educational resources, and social integration tools. The annual gala grew into a must-attend Hollywood event, consistently attracting high-profile supporters and raising millions of dollars for direct family assistance.
Celebrating 27 Years of Impact (Present Day)
Entering its 27th year of operation, the HollyRod Foundation has become synonymous with proactive compassion. The choice of the theme “Action in Motion” for the upcoming gala reflects an organizational pivot toward transforming passive awareness into active, measurable community engagement. The milestone year underscores nearly three decades of resilience, adaptation, and unwavering dedication to vulnerable populations.
Supporting Data: The Scope of Autism and Parkinson’s Disease
The urgency behind the HollyRod Foundation’s mission is underscored by compelling public health data regarding both autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Parkinson’s disease.
Autism Prevalence and Family Impact
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1 in 36 children in the United States has been identified with autism spectrum disorder. The diagnosis affects families across all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. However, access to early diagnostic tools, specialized therapies, and educational resources remains profoundly unequal.
Organizations like HollyRod play a critical role in addressing these disparities. By providing financial grants for care, community workshops, and advocacy platforms, the foundation helps alleviate the systemic barriers that families frequently encounter after receiving an autism diagnosis. The inclusion of advocates like Tanner Smith (Love on the Spectrum) and Camille Joy Robinson highlights the growing cultural visibility and empowerment of neurodivergent individuals within society.
Parkinson’s Disease Demographics
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement, often manifesting through tremors, rigidity, and balance issues. According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, nearly one million people in the United States are living with Parkinson’s disease, a number projected to rise significantly as the population ages. Furthermore, tens of thousands of new cases are diagnosed annually.
The public disclosure of diagnoses by prominent sports figures—such as Green Bay Packers legend Ahman Green, who will receive the Matthew Thomas Robinson Courage Award—brings vital national attention to the condition. Green’s openness about living with early-onset Parkinson’s disease helps dismantle stigmas, encourages proactive medical consultation, and demonstrates that a diagnosis does not preclude a life of continued leadership and advocacy.
Official Responses and Perspectives
Leadership at the HollyRod Foundation has emphasized that this year’s honorees were selected not merely for their professional accolades, but for their tangible, boots-on-the-ground contributions to society.
In a statement announcing the honorees, co-founder Holly Robinson Peete reflected on the guiding philosophy behind the 27th-year milestone:
“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 said. “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 speaks volumes about the couple’s decades-long dedication to civic engagement, arts education, and health advocacy. While globally celebrated for their legendary contributions to cinema, theater, and television, the Jacksons have quietly and consistently directed their resources and influence toward philanthropic endeavors, championing civil rights, educational equity, and medical research support.
Similarly, other honorees have expressed deep gratitude for the recognition. Bruce Sickler of American Airlines has been instrumental in spearheading customer care initiatives that accommodate travelers with hidden disabilities, including autism, earning him the Angel on the Path Award alongside television icon Maureen McCormick.
Ahman Green’s upcoming acceptance of the Matthew Thomas Robinson Courage Award represents a poignant full-circle moment for the foundation, honoring a legendary athlete who is navigating the exact condition that inspired the creation of the award’s namesake decades ago.
Implications of the 27th Annual Gala
The upcoming November 7 gala in Los Angeles carries broad implications for the future of philanthropic outreach, public health advocacy, and corporate social responsibility.
Amplifying Marginalized Voices in Healthcare
By honoring individuals like Tanner Smith and Camille Joy Robinson alongside high-profile cultural figures, the HollyRod Foundation continues to elevate neurodivergent voices into mainstream philanthropic discourse. This inclusion fosters a culture of true belonging, shifting the narrative from charity to empowerment. When public figures and advocates share their journeys—whether through sports, entertainment, or podcasting—they create cultural permission for everyday families to seek help, build community, and demand better healthcare infrastructure.
Raising Corporate and Public Accountability
The involvement of corporate entities like American Airlines, through leaders such as Bruce Sickler, signals an encouraging trend toward corporate inclusivity. As businesses increasingly recognize the importance of accessibility for individuals with autism and neurodivergent conditions, awards like the Angel on the Path set a high standard for customer care and systemic empathy across major industries.
Sustainable Fundraising in the Non-Profit Sector
As the HollyRod Foundation marks its 27th anniversary, the gala serves as a masterclass in nonprofit sustainability. In an era where charitable organizations frequently struggle to maintain donor retention amid economic shifts, HollyRod’s ability to draw top-tier talent, secure robust corporate partnerships, and maintain a deeply personal narrative ensures its continued viability. The funds raised on November 7 will directly replenish the foundation’s care programs, ensuring that families confronting the life-altering realities of autism and Parkinson’s disease do not have to walk their journeys alone.
For further details regarding the event, ticketing information, and ongoing initiatives by the organization, interested parties are encouraged to visit the official HollyRod Foundation website.
Nana Wu
Lina Irawan
Neng Nana
