Viola Davis to Receive Jacqueline Avant HollyRod Humanitarian Award (EXCLUSIVE)

August 2024 · 4 minute read

EGOT winner Viola Davis will be honored for her philanthropic contributions with an award named for the late humanitarian Jacqueline Avant at HollyRod’s annual DesignCare Gala on Sept. 28.

Founded by actor Holly Robinson Peete and former NFL star Rodney Peete, HollyRod is a nonprofit committed to raising awareness and providing resources to families who’ve received an autism or Parkinson’s Disease diagnosis. The couple formed the nonprofit in honor of Robinson Peete’s late father, actor, writer and television producer Matthew T. Robinson Jr., who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease at the age of 45. HollyRod’s mission expanded when the Peete’s son RJ was diagnoses with autism at age 3.

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“[The DesignCare Gala] not only commemorates our ongoing journey but also underscores the vital importance of community and passion in making a difference,” stated Robinson Peete. “Jacqueline Avant and her husband Clarence were founding donors of the HollyRod Foundation and offered unwavering and continued support. Her memory and legacy will continue to be honored indefinitely through this award.”

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Davis — who has partnered with multiple programs to eradicate childhood hunger in the U.S., among her commitment to other social justice causes — will be the second recipient of the Jacqueline Avant HollyRod Humanitarian Award following 2023 awardee Naomi Campbell.

“Viola is a phenomenal philanthropist who has used her platform for so much good and worked tirelessly to support and empower marginalized communities, focusing on education, literacy, youth development initiatives, mental health and many other important issues,” said Alex and Nicole Avant, Jacqueline’s children. “Viola has been a vocal advocate for social justice issues and used her platform to promote positive change in the world. Her commitment to philanthropy and making a difference in the lives of others truly sets her apart as a great humanitarian.”

Held at a private location in Los Angeles, the DesignCare Gala will also honor Dr. Chantale Branson — a board-certified neurologist with fellowship training in movement disorders and sleep medicine — with the Muhammad Ali Trailblazer Award. In addition to the awards presentation, the gala will feature a performance from After 7 and a fashion show of New York-based designer Frederick Anderson’s spring 2025 collection. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the foundation’s website.

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