Essence Magazine recently partnered up with BMW to celebrate the philanthropic efforts of actress of Holly Robinson-Peete. Robinson-Peete has a non-profit organization called The HollyRod Foundation which she founded in 1997 to provide care for those living with Parkinson’s disease, an illness that affects approximately 60,000 Americans each year, and Autism. The HollyRod Foundation was inspired by her father and son.
At age 46, Holly’s father was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and was forced to leave his career in entertainment. However, he had the emotional and financial support of his family while other patients were not so fortunate. While caring for her father, Holly and her husband, Rodney, came across patients who were alone and could not afford care or did not have access to expensive medications, treatments, and services. The HollyRod Foundation partnered with the Department of Neurology at the University of Southern California in 2002 to form the HollyRod Compassionate Care Program for Parkinson’s disease. The foundation is the sole funding source for this program which provides doctor visits, lab tests, prescriptions and therapies for patients who could not otherwise access them.
The HollyRod Foundation expanded its mission to reach autistic patients after Holly and Rodney’s eldest son, RJ, was diagnosed with the disease. Autism affects 1 in 91 children and 1 in 58 boys. Autism, like Parkinson’s disease, can physically, emotionally, and financially devastate families which is why the foundation is currently working to open their first HollyRod4kids Compassionate Care Center for Autism in Los Angeles. They hope to provide support, guidance, and treatment for families of Autistic patients.
At the “Art in Giving” Awards Ceremony, hosted by Essence Editor-at-Large Mikki Taylor, many celebrities came out in support of Holly’s work. There was also a silent auction held with artwork from Solange Knowles, Janelle Monae, and Jesse Williams. The proceeds were given to the HollyRod Foundation and another non-profit called Dream the Future which was created by fashion designer Gelila Assefa Puck. Puck was also honored at the ceremony.
To learn more about the HollyRod Foundation, you can check out http://www.hollyrod.org
