Naomi Campbell to be honoured with humanitarian award

Naomi Campbell is to receive the Jacqueline Avant HollyRod Humanitarian Award at an upcoming fundraising gala.

The HollyRod Foundation announced on Monday that they would honour the supermodel at their annual DesignCare Gala on 15 July in Los Angeles.

This year's gala marks the launch of the nonprofit's inaugural Jacqueline Avant HollyRod Humanitarian Award, which will be presented to Naomi.

"Celebrating the 25th anniversary of HollyRod Foundation fills my heart with immense gratitude and pride," HollyRod founder Holly Robinson Peete said in a statement, reports Variety. "We are especially thrilled to be honouring our amazing friend Naomi Campbell with the inaugural Jacqueline Avant Award this year."

The award has been named after the late philanthropist, Jacqueline Avant, who was a founding donor to HollyRod and supported the foundation for 25 years. The nonprofit helps those living with Parkinson's disease or autism.

Jacqueline's children Alex and Nicole Avant added, "We are absolutely delighted and touched that Naomi Campbell is receiving the first Jacqueline Avant HollyRod Humanitarian award at the 25th annual DesignCare gala. Our mother loved Naomi dearly and was a founding donor to HollyRod.

"We couldn't think of someone who is more worthy of this inaugural honour as Naomi captures the very essence of our mother with her grace, elegance, love for humanity and her philanthropic heart."

Married actors Nicole Ari Parker and Boris Kodjoe will also be honoured with the Muhammad Ali Trailblazer Award at the gala.