Mission

Chrysalis is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a pathway to self-sufficiency for homeless and low-income individuals by providing the resources and support needed to find and retain employment.

 
 

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Events - 2009

Meet me under the Fig Tree - December 6, 2009
 
The Fairmont Miramar Hotel continued the tradition of hosting an annual gathering under the magnificent Moreton Bay Fig Tree on December 7, 2009. This very special afternoon brought together a highly selective local audience of prominent real estate, finance, hospitality legal executives, and affluent members of the Santa Monica community. The event included a gingerbread house contest, holiday cookie decorating, a bounce house for all ages, performances by the Santa Monica High School Orchestra, Eric Kufs and Chelsea Williams, a mini massage and trunk show, core fusion sampler, a silent auction (100% of proceeds benefit Chrysalis) and vendors such as Bedhead, Jordan Cappella candles, Exhale, Vanilla Cupcakes, Trinidad Coffee, Healthy Spot, Tucker Paisley, La Vie Parisienne, Italy Yona.
 
Chrysalis 25th Anniversary Celebration - November 10, 2009
 
The 25th Anniversary Celebration brought together more than 350 business people from legal, entertainment, finance and hotel sectors for a VIP cocktail reception and live and silent auction to benefit Chrysalis.
 
The inspirational evening honored John Dillon, who founded Chrysalis on Skid Row in 1984 at the age of 22. Dillon is currently the First Vice President of Investments at Smith Barney in Bethesda, MD. Former Chrysalis client Roy Williams received the John Dillon Award for making great strides to becoming self-sufficient with the help of Chrysalis.
 
Other honorees were:
 

  • The City of Los Angeles and Mayor Tom Bradley- Provided early support for Chrysalis and continues to actively support the organization. City Controller, Wendy Greuel, accepted the honor.  Ms Greuel worked in Mayor Bradley’s office in 1984 which had been instrumental in funding Chrysalis when it was founded
  • Karen Baker- Instrumental in creating Chrysalis Enterprises, the organization’s innovative business that provides thousands with transitional jobs. Appointed by Governor Schwarzenegger, Ms. Baker currently serves as Executive Director of California Volunteers
  • The City of Santa Monica- Active for 15 years and continues to support Chrysalis’ progress in ending homelessness in the community
  • Martin Early- Has provided essential resources to the San Fernando Valley office since opening in 2000. At 80 years old, Mr. Early continues to volunteer weekly with his wife Anne
  • Brad Rowe- One of the original founders of the Chrysalis Butterfly Ball, now in its 9th year
  • Alan Long- Former President, Sotheby’s International Realty, purchased and donated the Santa Monica building
  • The Junior League of Los Angeles and Jill Baldauf for creating the Women’s Empowerment Program in 1999.
  • All Chrysalis’ Board Chairs: Greg Langer, Founding Board Chair (1984); Mary Ellen Kanoff (1989); David Walsh (1992); Colin P. Shepherd (1994); Adlai Wertman (2000); John Wasley (2001); Tim Dubois (2003) and current Board Chair, Robert E. Hart.

 
Notable attendees included Chrysalis CEO Mark Loranger; USC Marshall Professor Wertman; Bill Mechanic, “Who Killed the Electric Car;” Producer Chris Paine; Fred Sands; Executive Director Jessica Whaley, Culver City Downtown Business Association; Assistant City Manager Katie Lichtig, City of Beverly Hills; President of the Junior League of Los Angeles Minna Taylor; President of Finance Rick Hess, Creative Artist Agency; President and COO Tim Dubois, Edward Thomas Collection of Hotels, including Shutters on the Beach and Hotel Casa Del Mar; Santa Monica Chief of Police Tim Jackman and City Controller Wendy Greuel.
 
 

World Poker Tour - February 20, 2009
 
On February 20th, the World Poker Tour and Chrysalis teamed up and rolled out the red carpet at the Commerce Casino for its 8th annual World Poker Tour Invitational. The Texas Hold Em tournament brought celebrities and rofessional poker players together for a weekend of poker and fun for a good cause. The event raised $100,000 for Chrysalis, where 100% of the re-buys were directly donated.
 

 
Silverspoon - February 18 & 19, 2009
 
At a private house in the Hollywood Hills, celebrities visited an Oscar gift and hospitality suite and gave to Chrysalis. For a donation at the door, guests picked up a canvas Chrysalis-logo bag that they could fill with luxurious goodies. The event also included spa treatments and a caviar tasting.