Actress Holly Robinson Peete and her retired NFL quarterback husband, Rodney Peete, attract the kind of boldface guests to their fund-raisers that studios like to show off at their own events—stars like Jim Carrey and Eddie Murphy, who aren’t seen much on the public party circuit. The Peetes don’t have jobs or contracts to offer as a lure, but what they do have is plenty of goodwill and good karma. The combination has enabled them to grow their Hollyrod Foundation benefit from a launch event for 200 people in their backyard nine years ago to this year's 500-guest gala on the site of a horse pasture in Malibu on July 21.
Designers stretched white fabric over columnlike skeletons behind the silent auction area and buffets of Outback Steakhouse’s chopped salad, steak, salmon, and lamb. White fabric stretched into sail-shaped panels created walls behind a cocktail-hour band platform and the elaborate outdoor runway and revolving stage area.
DesignCare, started in honor of Holly’s father to support people with Parkinson’s Disease, has since expanded its mission to help others in need, including victims of Hurricane Katrina.
