Stars Kym Whitley, Keke Palmer, Selita Ebanks Salute Reed For Hope

Kym Whitley of NBC's Animal Practice

Los Angeles, CA - Stars Kym Whitley of NBC series Animal Practice, Keke Palmer (Jump In, True Jackson VP), Selita Ebanks (Rip the Runway) and 2012 Olympic gold medalist Destinee Hooker were among dozens of famous faces on hand for the launch of the Reed For Hope Foundation AIDS charity, held September 1 at the Getty House in Los Angeles.



Founded by Primetime Emmy winner and casting legend Robi Reed (widely recognized for championing scores of A-list actors like Halle Berry and Denzel Washington early in their careers), the Reed for Hope Foundation (RFHF) aims to build alliances with other charities and organizations in the fight against the spread of HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening diseases.



Whitely, who co-hosted the event with Ebanks and television personality Terrence J, praised longtime friend Reed during the ceremony for her years of community service. The establishment of RFHF coincides with the tenth anniversary of Reed's fabled, star-studded end-of-summer celebrations, she said, which have long donated proceeds to community nonprofits. In addition her role at RFHF, Reed also serves as Vice President of Talent and Casting, Original Programming, for BET Networks.



This year's RFHF fundraiser beneficiary, the Black AIDS Institute, was presented with a special donation check during a special program, which featured musical performances from vocalist Jamar Rogers of NBC reality competition hit The Voice, Grammy®-nominated singer Ledisi and more.



Sherri Shepherd of The View, Community actress Yvette Nicole Brown, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Kimberly Elise, Affion Crockett, Vanessa Williams, Soul Man castmates Niecy Nash and Wesley Jonathan, Rahsaan Patterson, Christian Keyes, Rochelle Aytes, Eva Marcille, Rolonda Watts and Jennifer Williams were also among stars in attendance at the Reed for Hope launch.