DESIGNING A CURE
It was another fab night of food, fashion and fun at the annual HollyRod DesignCare benefit. The fundraiser, which is now in its 14th year, is hosted by Malibu’s Holly Robinson Peete and her hubby Rodney Peete, a former NFL pro football star.
Local designer Sue Wong looked exotic and magnificent as usual in a dramatic black and red gown embellished with feathers.
Paula Abdul opted for a bright pop of color in a lavender, rose and black maxi, and Jane Seymour was sexy as always in a vibrant blue sequined mini. Malibu’s Brooke Burke showed off a chic new updo, while Arsineo Hall was rocking head to toe in black on black, including sleek tie and beret.
They joined guests like Lisa Rinna and Harry Hamlin on the red carpet at a stunning ocean view Malibu bluffs estate, and settled in for a swanky soir/e.
They browsed the silent auction filled with sports memorabilia, great gift bags and even a few of Sue’s ultra glam dresses.
As the sun set, the well-clad crowd sipped frozen peach and champagne smoothies, while servers made the rounds with a traditional Australian outback feast including juicy crab cakes, grilled chicken, beef, fresh veggies and of course, shrimp off the barbie.
Soon it was show time and guests took their seats for a spectacular Sue Won runway show featuring her fabulous frocks. Her designs have been described as timeless and romantic, lyrical and pure magic. With muses like Garbo, Dietrich and Lombard, it’s easy to see how her pieces translate into old style Hollywood glam.
This year’s honorees included Justin Kanew and Zev Glassberg, who were presented with the HollyRod Champion Award, NBA great Brian Grant, who got the Matthew T. Robinson Jr. Award of Courage, and CEO and chair Gerald L. Storch, who received the HollyRod Corporate Compassion Award on behalf of Toys “R”Us, Inc.
To top it all off, there was a special musical performance by the legendary Natalie Cole and Jeffrey Osborne.
Holly and Rodney have worked tirelessly on the foundation, which was founded in 1997. The foundation is dedicated to providing help and hope to those living with autism and Parkinson’s disease. Efforts of the HollyRod Foundation are providing a better quality of life through support and resources for individuals and their families. The Peetes thanked everyone for their support, saying: “We are thrilled to be back in Malibu and we are overwhelmed with appreciation of your giving spirit.”