Hollywood actor Samuel L. Jackson and his wife, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, were honoured at a star-studded charity gala in Los Angeles on November 7, recognising their humanitarian work and commitment to supporting communities. The couple received the Clarence and Jacqueline Avant HollyRod Humanitarian Award at the 27th annual DesignCare Gala organised by the HollyRod Foundation, a nonprofit that has supported more than 50,000 families affected by autism and Parkinson’s disease and awarded over $4 million in assistance, according to Sheen Magazine’s report on the event.Hosted by actress Holly Robinson Peete and her husband, former NFL quarterback Rodney Peete, the gala brought together celebrities, philanthropists and supporters to raise awareness and funds for people living with the two conditions. This year’s theme, ‘Action in Motion’, highlighted the foundation’s effort to move beyond awareness campaigns and provide practical assistance to families navigating long-term care and support needs.
Why Samuel L. Jackson and his wife were honoured
The Jacksons received an award named after the late music executive Clarence Avant and his wife Jacqueline Avant. The recognition celebrates individuals whose compassion, advocacy and service have made a meaningful contribution to others. The connection between the two families also made the honour particularly personal. Nicole Avant, daughter of Clarence and Jacqueline Avant, spoke about the longstanding relationship between the Avants, Peetes and Jacksons. She described LaTanya Richardson Jackson as being like a sister to her and said her parents had loved the couple.Accepting the award, Samuel L. Jackson recalled a memorable experience involving the Avants during Barack Obama’s first presidential inauguration. He said the couples had initially tried to travel together by car to the ceremony but were unable to get through security. They eventually had to walk, while the Avants could not make the journey on foot.“It is indeed an honor to stand here and accept this award,” Jackson said, according to Sheen Magazine. He also spoke about the privilege of being associated with the legacy of Clarence and Jacqueline Avant and continuing to contribute to the community.The event also recognised several other individuals for their contributions. Teoscar and Jennifer Hernández received the HollyRod Champions of Belonging Award, while former NFL player Ahman Green was honoured with the Matthew Thomas Robinson Courage Award. Bruce Sickler and actress Maureen McCormick received the Angel on the Path Award. Camille Joy Robinson and Tanner Smith were among those recognised with the HollyRod Hero Award.
The charity supporting families affected by autism and Parkinson’s
The HollyRod Foundation was established by Holly Robinson Peete and Rodney Peete to support people living with autism and Parkinson’s disease and their families. Its work is rooted in the founders’ personal experiences with both conditions. The foundation’s mission was inspired by two members of the Peete family. Holly Robinson Peete’s father, Matthew Robinson Jr., lived with Parkinson’s disease, while the couple’s son, RJ Peete, was diagnosed with autism as a young child.These experiences shaped the organisation’s focus on providing resources, care and opportunities to families who often face complicated and expensive support needs. Its programmes include autism-related services, family support, vocational training and assistance with technology that can help people communicate and participate more independently in everyday life.According to the foundation’s website, it has supported more than 50,000 families since its establishment. Sheen Magazine reported that the organisation has awarded over $4 million in cash, hardware and software. The assistance includes resources intended to help people with autism and Parkinson’s disease, as well as their caregivers. One of its initiatives, the Gift of Voice programme, helps provide communication technology to individuals who have difficulty expressing themselves verbally. The foundation also works to create opportunities for people with autism through vocational training and employment-related support.
A gala focused on turning awareness into action
The 2026 DesignCare Gala, held in Los Angeles, featured a red-carpet reception, dinner, auctions, a fashion presentation by designer Frederick Anderson and a musical performance. The event was attended by several prominent personalities, including Magic Johnson, Nick Cannon, Tiffany Haddish, Sugar Ray Leonard, Tina Knowles and Lela Rochon Fuqua.During the evening, Robinson Peete and Rodney Peete spoke about the challenges facing families affected by autism and Parkinson’s disease. They pointed to shrinking resources and overstretched support systems, stressing that awareness alone cannot address the difficulties experienced by people who need continued care.The theme ‘Action in Motion’ reflected their call for people to translate concern into tangible support. The couple emphasised the importance of community, faith and ensuring that families do not feel isolated while navigating difficult circumstances.For the Jacksons, the award was a recognition of their contribution to a cause that affects millions of families. For the HollyRod Foundation, the annual gala remains an opportunity to bring supporters together, raise funds and highlight the everyday needs of people living with autism and Parkinson’s disease.