While the Super Bowl™ always provides unpredictable, edge-of-your-seat excitement, one constant source of excitement over the past nine years has been the presence of the HollyRod Foundation, and their annual Gridiron Glamour celebrity fashion show and benefit brunch.  Founded by actress Holly Robinson Peete and former NFL quarterback and Best Damn Sports Show Period co-host Rodney Peete, the HollyRod Foundation has seen Gridiron Glamour grow into one of the most anticipated events during Super Bowl week, and raise more than $1 million partnering with a variety of causes in the local Super Bowl cities, including breast cancer awareness and mentorship for young women.  Celebrating the 10th year of Gridiron Glamour, the Peetes will be hosting a number of blowout events in Phoenix and Scottsdale with some special celebrity friends, encompassing a star-studded week of fashion, music, comedy, and sports.

 

Kicking off an early weekend with two events on Thursday, January 31st, the HollyRod Super Week will start with a private brunch at Louis Vuitton in Scottsdale, hosted by Holly Robinson Peete, Tamia Hill (recording artist and wife of NBA All-Star Grant Hill of the Phoenix Suns) and Pat Smith (wife of NFL legend Emmitt Smith).  A portion of the proceeds from any purchases during the brunch will benefit the HollyRod Foundation.  In the evening, the Best Damn Super Bowl Party Period will kick off at the exclusive Rockridge Estate in Phoenix, to be hosted by actress Jenny McCarthy, Holly Robinson Peete, and the entire Best Damn Sports Show Crew, and featuring a special live performance from Grammy winner Ludacris.

 

Closing down HollyRod Super Week with two more events on Saturday, February 2nd, Holly Robinson Peete and Rodney Peete will again play the gracious, lively hosts of their long-running Gridiron Glamour, celebrating the 10th year at Super Bowl™ with a couture fashion show and benefit brunch at the luxurious Scottsdale Plaza Resort.  Partnering with the Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC) in Phoenix, this year the HollyRod Foundation turns its attention to supporting children with autism, the most prevalent childhood developmental disorder in our nation today.  The 10th anniversary of Gridiron Glamour will provide a homecoming to Arizona for Rodney Peete, who attended high school in Tucson and present special awards celebrating the achievements of four honorees: NBA All-Star Grant Hill of the Phoenix Suns and his wife, recording artist Tamia, Arizona philanthropist Matt McMahon, and actress/philanthropist Jenny McCarthy.  The Peetes will close their 10th year at the Super Bowl™ returning to the exclusive Rockridge Estate in Phoenix on Saturday evening, presenting Chris Rock Live in Concert, with co-hosts Pat and Emmitt Smith.  A portion of the proceeds will benefit the HollyRod Foundation.

 

About the HollyRod Foundation for Help and Hope!

Quality of life is something all strive for: that opportunity is diminished for many due to disease and life-altering challenges. The HollyRod Foundation is dedicated to providing medical, physical and emotional support to those suffering with debilitating life circumstances, especially Parkinson’s disease. Where there is need, the HollyRod Foundation provides a smile of comfort, showing we will be there every step of the way. Efforts of The HollyRod Foundation are providing a better quality of life for individuals and their families while they fight to LIVE!

The HollyRod Foundation was founded in 1997 by NFL quarterback Rodney Peete and actress Holly Robinson Peete in honor of Holly's father, Matthew T. Robinson, Jr., who was diagnosed with PD in 1982 at the young age of 46. Although Mr. Robinson was forced to retire from a successful career in entertainment, he had the emotional and financial support of Holly, Rodney and the rest of his family. Other patients, however, are not so fortunate. While caring for Mr. Robinson, Holly and Rodney often encountered patients who were alone, could not afford care or did not have access to expensive medications, treatments and services.

Moved by Mr. Robinson's struggle and the struggle of others, Holly and Rodney were determined to help alleviate the financial burdens associated with the disease for those less fortunate and set out to create an organization that cared for a patient's immediate financial, physical and emotional needs. Soon after, HollyRod was created. Since its inception, HollyRod has grown into an organization that has helped support countless patients with PD around the country. HollyRod holds various fundraisers throughout the year including DesignCare, a night of fashion, music and fun with top celebrities and designers, as well as an annual pre-Super Bowl™ party. In 2002, HollyRod partnered with the Center for Parkinson's Research and Movement Disorders at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California and established The HollyRod Compassionate Care Program (CCP). Through the program, HollyRod is able to provide patients with financial and medical assistance. After living with Parkinson's for more than 20 years, Mr. Robinson succumbed to the disease in August 2002. Needless to say, the resolve of the HollyRod Foundation was strengthened. Holly and Rodney are more determined than ever to assist patients with PD and their families/caregivers. For more information, log onto www.hollyrod.org.