By Angelique Jackson

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

Founded by actor Holly Robinson Peete and former NFL star Rodney Peete, HollyRod is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness and providing resources to families who have been diagnosed with autism or Parkinson's. The couple founded 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 at age 45. HollyRod's mission expanded when Peete's son, RJ, was diagnosed with autism at age 3.

“[The DesignCare Gala] not only commemorates our ongoing journey, but also underscores the critical importance of community and passion to make a difference,” said Robinson Peete. “Jacqueline Avant and her husband Clarence were founders of the HollyRod Foundation and provided unwavering and ongoing support. Her memory and legacy will be honored indefinitely through this award.”