FOR THE LOVE OF PEETE
It looked like a cross between the ESPY Awards and a night at the Oscars as a glittering A-list crowd gathered to help Holly Robinson Peete and her husband Rodney celebrate DesignCare. The Peetes hosted an elegant outback BBQ at Tammy and Eric Gustavson’s posh Malibu pad.
Holly looked fresh as a summer breeze in her shimmering champagne mini, dazzling chandelier earrings and sexy peep toe heels. She made the rounds greeting a who’s who from the entertainment world including power couples Jim Carrey and Jenny McCarthy, Eddie Murphy and Tracy Edmonds, Forest and Keisha Whitaker, and Angie Harmon and Jason Sehorn.
The sports line up was equally impressive with Jerome Bettis, John Salley and Marcus Allen among those mingling in the crowd. Heck, even boxing bad boy Mike Tyson put in an appearance. Soon Nancy Davis dropped by, catching up with old pals like Byron Allen and Quincy Jones, and the paparazzi snapped away on the red carpet.
Guests sipped Wallaby Darn cocktails made from peach schnapps, champagne and vodka while caterers manned the barbies grilling up juicy pieces of steak, chicken and lobster. The Spark Man trio provided some smooth sounds with classic picks from Stevie Wonder, Bill Withers and Prince as well-heeled revelers checked out auction items like fab Fendi bags and a super hot and totally adorable Smart Car.
Former NLF star Peete and his wife Holly started DesignCare nine years ago to benefit their HollyRod Foundation. HollyRod is dedicated to providing support and financial assistance to adults and children who are battling crippling medical conditions like Parkinson’s disease. This year’s honoree was Maurice White of Earth, Wind and Fire fame. The gifted singer, who suffers from Parkinson’s, was given the Matthew T. Robinson Jr. Award of Courage. Future NFL Hall of Famer Bettis and TV producers Yvette and Kyle Bowser were also lauded for their many good deeds.
Soon it was show time and we made our way into an enormous white tent that served as a cool catwalk for leggy models in flashy frocks. A first class fashion extravaganza was on tap. That puts the design in DesignCare and this year’s glorious garb came courtesy of Naeem Khan, who delighted the crowd with his crisp, contemporary creations, floaty silk gowns and sparkling beaded columns. At the end, heavenly Holly took a bow with her smartly dressed little tot in toe.
Cedric the Entertainer was on hand for a few good laughs, we got to groove to some funky stuff by Morris Day and The Time, and bidding was fierce at the live auction. And what would any serious auction be without the addition of a cuddly golden retriever pup? This year’s cutie went home with Annette Cooke, who shelled out $11,000 for the hot-diggity dog. “She’s our second,” Cooke said after the sale, “and we’re glad the money is going to a good cause.” Asked what the family would be naming their new pet, she said, “Why, Holly, of course.”