“Life on the streets was definitely crazy,” she shares. “Going from always having a comfortable place to stay to being homeless was an eye-opener for me. Sleeping in a tent on the side of the freeway or underneath a bridge was definitely something I’d never experienced before.”

A white sprinter van pulled into the convenience store parking lot, and Stephanie immediately recognized the Chrysalis logo. After a brief conversation with the driver and crew members, she was excited to learn that our employment social services organization had opened up a center in her hometown of Orange County.

After becoming a teen mother, Stephanie experienced many tumultuous years involving substance use and homelessness. At one point during that time, she was a victim of rape, which led to a pregnancy. She was living in her car throughout this period. As soon as she gave birth, child and family services removed her baby from her care. “That just led me to spiral,” Stephanie shares. She describes a season that followed marked by substance use, cycling in and out of jail, and sleeping on the streets.

Recently released from jail and living in a shelter, Stephanie knew that she would turn to Chrysalis for support when she was ready to reconnect to the workforce.

In moments of lucidity, Stephanie knew that she needed to make a change. “There were days where I’d wake up in my tent and be like, Is this real? When am I going to wake up from this dream?” One day, when local police officers approached where she was sleeping and offered Stephanie help, she said yes.

After connecting with a church and getting sober, Stephanie secured employment through a temp agency, but she didn’t have the financial resources needed to purchase a uniform for her new job. She knew exactly where to go for assistance.

“When I came to Chrysalis, they didn’t care that I was staying at a homeless shelter. I genuinely felt they cared and wanted to help.”

Chrysalis helped Stephanie procure the items she needed for her uniform as well as additional attire for future job interviews. She was also paired with an Employment Specialist, who helped her develop a personalized employment plan and walked her through the myriad of additional resources available to her through our job-readiness program. “[My Employment Specialist] was like a friend,” Stephanie shares, “She would follow up on a monthly basis. She really wanted to ensure I was doing good.” 

Stephanie dove into our job-prep classes, during which she honed her resume-writing and interview skills, received guidance on writing cover letters, and was coached on answering questions about her experience in the justice system with potential employers. She also worked with us to reinstate her Driver License, secure her ServSafe Food Handler certificate, and received transportation assistance to and from work and interviews.

While holding two serving positions and working as a Community Organizer, she went back to school. In 2022, she graduated with five associate degrees and is currently earning her bachelor’s degree from a state university, with plans to apply to law school to practice dependency law. Her eyes light up as she imagines advocating for and representing parents like herself.

“When I think about going to law school, all I have are feelings of wanting to make a difference.” 

As a trailblazing public policy organizer, Stephanie is also the founder of Families Inspiring Reentry & Reunification 4 Everyone (FIR4E), an Orange County based nonprofit that provides formerly incarcerated women with housing, family reunification, workforce development, and advocacy support.

While her gratitude to the organizations and individuals that have supported her is evident, Stephanie also emphasizes that her transformation would not have been possible without her faith. “I’m just overwhelmed with gratefulness for everyone who has played a part in my journey.”

It was our pleasure to present Stephanie with the John Dillon Award at our 2023 Butterfly Ball. Named for our founder, the award goes to a client who embodies the ethos of empowerment and change. Stephanie’s indomitable spirit and commitment to her community stand as a testament to what individuals can do when they are met with clear pathways to success. Chrysalis is in awe of Stephanie and grateful to have been a part of her journey. 

The post Success Bells: Stephanie first appeared on Chrysalis.

The smell of eggs and turkey bacon infuses the air of a dining area already brimming with noisy chitchat. Mia smiles as she says, “I crack eggs every morning. I want everyone to smell what’s cooking!” In a more serious tone, she shares, “Some of [our guests] have not had a hot meal in years.” Once the plates are on the tables, the room goes quiet, and Mia and her coworkers feel accomplished as everyone enjoys their first meal of the day. 

Preparing breakfast, providing laundry services, and conducting room checks are a few of the many ways that Mia ensures that National Health Foundation’s (NHF’s) guests have a safe, hospitable stay at the organization’s recuperative care site in Glendale. As a Guest Services Associate, she is teaching everyday skills and provides a safe space to people who are recalibrating their lives after experiencing chronic homelessness or being recently discharged from area hospitals without a safe place to turn.

“Some of [our guests] have not had a hot meal in years.”
Mia Rogers, National Health Foundation Guest Services Associate

At the same time, she is building rapport with the people she serves while learning about their individual journeys experiencing homelessness, mental illness, or other challenges. “I make sure I get to know them on a personal level,” Mia shares. “You’re learning these people’s stories. And that is, for these past two years, the best thing that could have happened to me. It has made me a better person.”

Encouraging everyone around her is a top priority for Mia. In addition to caring for NHF guests, she works alongside volunteers with disabilities from Tierra del Sol Foundation, providing mentorship and guidance that will help them build the skills they need to pursue employment in the community. One volunteer’s mother shares, “Mia was an inspiration from the moment I met her. Her energy is next level, and her smile lit up the room. Her humbleness and gratitude are unlike anyone I have ever met. It is so clear she loves her job and it shows in the way she worked with my son. Mia was able to make a connection with Jonny and, despite him having a disability, he was greeted with a natural and pure acceptance. I couldn’t have asked for a better work environment for my son.”

“Mia was an inspiration from the moment I met her.”
Jeannine Guich

Mia didn’t always know that she wanted to work in human services. Despite being steadily employed beginning at age 14, she struggled to find a job and a sense of direction after high school. Not long after graduation, Mia found herself in a heated situation that resulted in a physical altercation and three months of incarceration. “I was a kid when I got into trouble. I thought I was grown… I was never a fighter, so I thought the situation wasn’t that serious.” 

But reality sunk in when probation requirements and her record quickly changed the way she was able to live her life. Once released, she wondered, “How am I supposed to work full-time as a felon and go to anger management classes two times a week?”

Housing instability was a looming threat, and just as Mia’s probation came to a close, she had to vacate her apartment due to unsafe infrastructure issues. “I didn’t have a job, I didn’t have a car, I didn’t have anything.” 

In late 2019, Mia started utilizing Chrysalis’ services and was more driven than ever to secure work. “Once I got off of probation, I was so happy. I was like, I can finally get a job – where do I start?” She completed our job-readiness classes, received individualized support from an Employment Specialist, and engaged in one-on-one resume writing and practice interview sessions. It wasn’t long before she was hired for a warehouse position through Chrysalis Staffing, a division of our employment social enterprise that connects hundreds of Southern California employers to job candidates each year.

“I knew I was going to get a job. Then the pandemic happened, and they shut everything down,”
Mia Rogers, National Health Foundation Guest Services Associate

Seeking the opportunity to grow professionally and increase her wages, Mia stayed in contact with her case manager. Then, in early 2020, she abruptly lost her job along with millions of Californians. “The pandemic happened, and they shut everything down,” Mia reflects.

Faced with starting her job search again, Mia didn’t miss a beat. She engaged in Chrysalis’ virtual services and began working with her Employment Specialist on securing job leads, completing an application for unemployment insurance, and was provided gift cards to help with the cost of groceries.

In 2020, Chrysalis distributed $975,000 in emergency relief to clients.

Mia was quickly referred by Chrysalis Staffing to NHF to work with Project Roomkey – a program made possible by the efforts of the State of California, its counties, and other municipalities aimed at creating temporary housing solutions for our most vulnerable community members during the pandemic. At first, she thought, “They want me to go work at a hotel? What am I getting myself into? But [the staff] all became a family, and we provided for the clients.”

Having a steady paycheck opened doors for Mia that were closed before. She celebrated purchasing a car and taking her first road trip. She shares, “I started providing for myself. It’s the best feeling yet.” At the same time, she discovered her passion for serving her fellow community members.

While working with Project Roomkey through Chrysalis, Mia’s work ethic and tenacity stood out to leadership at NHF, and the organization made an offer to her to come on as a full-time, permanent employee. Two years later, Mia is still with NHF and providing vital care and support to individuals who need it most. In addition to being a part of NHF’s Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Council, Mia looks forward to returning to school and continuing to advance her career. “When I got hired through Chrysalis, I found purpose in life. I have a steady job, I have a car, I have a roof over my head. I won!”

Chrysalis is honored to have supported and worked with Mia during her search for employment. Her persistence in the face of challenges – including job loss as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic – is a testament to the resilience of thousands of Chrysalis clients. We look forward to honoring her with the John Dillon Award at Chrysalis’ 20th Anniversary Butterfly Ball on October 1, 2022. Learn more about this year’s event at ChangeLives.org/Butterfly.

The post Success Bells: Mia first appeared on Chrysalis.

Los Angeles, Calif. (May 14, 2021) – Chrysalis, a Southern California-based nonprofit dedicated to creating a pathway to self-sufficiency for people experiencing homelessness and economic barriers to the workforce, celebrated its second Chrysalis Night In on Thursday, May 13. The organization is thrilled to announce that as a result of generous donations, sponsorships, and ticket sales it raised $1.2M in funding, more than doubling the funds raised from last year’s inaugural event. Funds raised for Chrysalis Night In will go towards proven solutions that support the unprecedented increased number of people experiencing job loss and economic instability amid the pandemic by providing the resources needed to prepare for, find, and retain employment.

This year, over 1,400 tickets were sold for an unforgettable event that featured inspiring stories from Chrysalis clients and appearances from Curtis Stone, Dave Bautista, Eric Dane, Katheryn Winnick, Kit Harington, LL Cool J, Luke Evans, Macy Gray, Marc Cohn, Max Greenfield, Nick Jonas, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Rachel Zoe, Robert De Niro, Zendaya, and more!

The 2021 Chrysalis Night In virtual gala honored Bob Hart, President & CEO, TruAmerica Multifamily, Demi Weitz, Co-Creator, RWQuarantunes, and Richard Weitz, Partner, WME & Co-Creator, RWQuarantunes.

Event sponsors included Benedict Canyon Equities, Blackstone, CBRE, Greystar, Johnny Carson Foundation, Kennedy Wilson, NBCUniversal, Netflix, TruAmerica Multifamily, and U.S. Bank, and event co-chairs were Kerry Brown, Rebecca Gayheart Dane, Rick Hess, Josh Lieberman, Stacey Sher, and Richard Weitz.

“The health crisis of COVID-19 has created a parallel unemployment crisis and Chrysalis is uniquely positioned to help our community recover,” said Chrysalis President & CEO Mark Loranger. “Over the past year, we have welcomed more than 3,000 new clients virtually. And in the same way that we had to transition to a virtual service model, we are also incredibly proud to have the support of our donors and community members who celebrated with us online at Chrysalis Night In instead of meeting in person at the Butterfly Ball.”

To learn more about Chrysalis, visit ChangeLives.org.

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Media Contacts:

Murphy O’Brien Public Relations
chrysalis@murphyobrien.com

*INFORMATION UPDATED: On Monday, May 17, 2021, Chrysalis confirmed that the 2021 Chrysalis Night In virtual gala hit a fundraising record of $1.2 million. This press release, published on Chrysalis’ website has been updated to include this new total. The previously reported total was $1.15 million. 

The post Chrysalis Raises $1.2m to Support Employment Solutions for People Experiencing Homelessness at Second Chrysalis Night in Virtual Gala first appeared on Chrysalis.

Los Angeles, Calif. (April 19, 2021) – This year, the 2021 Chrysalis Night In virtual gala will bring together individuals from coast to coast to raise funds and awareness for a proven solution that helps people experiencing homelessness and economic barriers to the workforce by providing the resources and support needed to prepare for, find, and retain employment. Celebrity attendees have already begun to confirm their attendance to this private, virtual gala which will be streamed live from 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. PST on Thursday, May 13.

During this time when many must continue to celebrate virtually, Chrysalis was able to transform the iconic Butterfly Ball by launching its first virtual fundraiser, Chrysalis Night In. Last year alone, over 800 guests joined together virtually for an unforgettable event benefitting Chrysalis’ vision of a community where everyone has the right to work and thrive.

The 2021 Chrysalis Night In virtual gala will honor Bob Hart, President & CEO, TruAmerica Multifamily, Demi Weitz, Co-Creator, RWQuarantunes, and Richard Weitz, Partner, WME & Co-Creator, RWQuarantunes.

This year’s virtual gala is set be a star-studded affair complete with musical and comedy performances, celebrity appearances and exclusive auction items available to ticket holders and sponsors. The gala’s sponsors are Benedict Canyon Equities, Blackstone, CBRE, Greystar, Johnny Carson Foundation, Kennedy Wilson, NBCUniversal, Netflix, TruAmerica Multifamily and U.S. Bank, and event co-chairs include Kerry Brown, Rebecca Gayheart Dane, Rick Hess, Josh Lieberman, Stacey Sher and Richard Weitz.

Participants in last year’s event included Anne Hathaway, Robert De Niro, Jamie Foxx, Zach Braff, Natasha Bedingfield, Gavin Rossdale, Linda Perry, and Seth MacFarlane, among others.

“The health crisis of COVID-19 has created a parallel unemployment crisis and Chrysalis is uniquely positioned to help our community recover,” said Chrysalis President & CEO Mark Loranger. “Over the past year, we have welcomed more than 5,000 new clients virtually. And in the same way that we had to transition to a virtual service model, we are also incredibly proud to have the support of our donors and community members who are celebrating with us online at Chrysalis Night In instead of meeting in person at the Butterfly Ball.”

Tickets to this year’s event begin at $50.00 per household, making this exclusive event accessible to all individuals across the globe who believe in the organization’s powerful mission.

Donate to Chrysalis Night In

About Chrysalis

Chrysalis is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a pathway to self-sufficiency for people experiencing homelessness and economic barriers to the workforce by providing the resources and support needed to prepare for, find, and retain employment. Since 1984, Chrysalis has served more than 74,000 individuals at its five centers and locations throughout Southern California. In 2020, more than 1,600 Chrysalis clients secured employment while participating in Chrysalis’ programs and more than 1,600 participants worked a transitional job with the organization’s social enterprise. 

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Chrysalis decided to postpone the organization’s iconic Butterfly Ball and hosted the first Chrysalis Night In on May 14, 2020. The virtual event kept the spirit of the traditional in-person gala and gathered supporters for an evening of entertainment online. Chrysalis Night In and the Butterfly Ball have raised more than $18 million. These funds directly support Chrysalis’ programs and services including one-on-one case management, resume-writing services, practice interviews, online job application assistance, and transitional job opportunities with the organization’s employment social enterprise. Chrysalis centers and locations are in Downtown Los Angeles, Orange County (Anaheim), the San Fernando Valley (Pacoima), Santa Monica, and South Los Angeles (DOORS).

Learn more at ChangeLives.org.

Media Contacts

Anna Hubbard
Murphy O’Brien
ahubbard@murphyobrien.com

The post 2021 Chrysalis Night In Virtual Fundraising Gala to Honor Bob Hart, Demi Weitz and Richard Weitz on Thursday, May 13 first appeared on Chrysalis.

Hollywood execs tend to not be asked to join the boards of nonprofits until they are fairly high up the career ladder. They are usually expected to write a large personal check each year as a donation to the organization and bring their wealthy friends to the table as well. That’s a high bar to entry for anyone more junior in their career.

So, how can twenty-somethings and thirty-somethings get involved with a charity in a substantive way that goes beyond regular volunteering? Join an associate board. Also called young patrons groups, these groups offer their next-gen members mentorship in philanthropic involvement, special events and other ways to make a difference, with lower costs to join. Three of the hottest associate boards have launched in the last year in Los Angeles, each drawing members from the entertainment industry.

Chrysalis’ Kaleidoscope Giving Circle
The nonprofit — known for its Butterfly Ball fundraiser, founded by actress Rebecca Gayheart — started its associate board, Kaleidoscope, last year. The aim is to grow the ranks of its supporters, helping in its mission to give employment training and job search skills to men and women who are homeless or who have been formerly incarcerated.

“One of the things we’ve discovered is that as an organization that’s been around a long time, for 34 years, it’s not surprising that our board of directors and many of our supporters have grown up with our organization,” says Chrysalis CEO Mark Loranger. “We recognized that we need to make sure we are relevant to all the supporters in our community including folks who may be earlier in their careers or younger than our more traditional supporters.”

The group now numbers 13 members and fundraising events thrown by Kaleidoscope have included trivia nights, wine tastings and dinner parties. Alex Jones, who works in digital distribution at entertainment company A24, joined Kaleidoscope a couple months ago after hearing about the group from a friend who works at Chrysalis. “I was blown away by their work with homelessness and I wanted to become involved in my community and help tackle a problem,” says Jones.

Members, who also include Grace Oathout, an associate producer with Tripod Media, are required to either give or raise $500 to join. Says Loranger, “For our traditional board of directors, you have to write a large personal check, and that’s a huge barrier for many people. For us, this is a long-term play. It takes time for folks to be groomed and get ready for leadership positions like being on a board of directors. Some of these folks might become board members, others might become donors, but all of them are going to talk to their neighbors and families about the work that they do and that’s the bigger picture.”

Continue reading… 

The post The Hollywood Reporter: Three new young philanthropic groups draw Hollywood execs first appeared on Chrysalis.

Suzette found Chrysalis’ Santa Monica center while staying at a recovery program. She credits Chrysalis with helping her uncover her confidence to prepare to return to work and stay on track. She has lent her voice in support of our organization at community events including a speaking opportunity at the Skirball Museum as a part of their 2015 A Path Appears exhibit where Chrysalis was featured. Antonio’s path to Chrysalis also began when he was staying in transitional housing and participating in a recovery program. As he looked from his window at the street below, he saw someone jump out of a truck to load bags into the backend. That was it – he decided that was a job that could get him into the workforce. It did, and he would go on to be promoted by Chrysalis from a sweeper to driver to supervisor in the Works program and eventually move over to Roads supervisor where he was promoted to an Operations Supervisor. While working for Roads, Antonio spent a month and a half going to truck driving school so he could obtain his Class A Driver License – something that allowed him to land a job with Caltrans as an Operator II.

The couple met and were married years before finding their personal paths to Chrysalis. They have supported each other through everything, even when their journeys kept them apart during times of incarceration, transitional housing, or treatment facilities. Their story is one that inspires us, which is one reason it was fitting to honor the couple with the 2019 John Dillon Award at the 18th Annual Chrysalis Butterfly Ball.

Today, they are together in their Inglewood home, surrounded by photos of their kids, extended family, and Chrysalis staff that cover the walls.

Donate Now

The post Success Bells: Antonio & Suzette first appeared on Chrysalis.

After his first attempt, he passed, and Cordaro received a driver’s license for the first time at 30 years old.

Growing up in South Central Los Angeles, where a soundtrack of gunshots and helicopters seemed to play on repeat, Cordaro struggled to find the motivation to steer his life in any particular direction. “I ran the streets. I wasn’t motivated to work – that was my life.” But when a 6-year prison sentence stopped him in his tracks, Cordaro’s eyes were opened to a very stark reality. “The first night that door closed on me, and I knew I was stuck, I was like, ‘Man, I messed up.’”

With a young daughter and another on the way, Cordaro was ready to make a change.

Referred to Chrysalis by Amity Foundation, Cordaro came through our Downtown center doors with the determination to turn things around. He had heard good things about Chrysalis from other program participants, and he was ready to utilize every resource necessary to get a job and build a better life for himself and his family. He fondly reflects the consistent encouragement he received from his Employment Specialist, “I was excited that somebody else was excited for me and wanted me to do something productive. I needed that extra push.”

As he worked to complete Chrysalis’ job preparation courses, Cordaro’s Employment Specialist identified him as a strong candidate for Chrysalis Roads. One of Chrysalis’ three social enterprises, Roads provides transitional job opportunities to individuals on parole or probation while they continue their search for employment with ongoing support from their case manager.

Cordaro was soon hired to join the Admiral crew, which provides litter abatement services and brush maintenance to L.A.’s freeways. Admiral is one of six Roads crews across L.A. County staffed and managed by Chrysalis – all of which are very intentionally named after a species of butterfly. Launched in November 2017 by Caltrans and the Mayor’s Office of Reentry, the program will help over 1,000 formerly incarcerated Angelenos get on a pathway to self-sufficiency.

Enamored with the work culture and the people with whom he shared his day, Cordaro applied to become a Roads Supervisor. At the same time, Chrysalis’ Direct Hire program – a division of our Staffing social enterprise – identified an open position at the Larder Bakery. Cordaro was all ears. “I was pumped to work. Nothing was going to keep me from getting a job.”

Cordaro showed up early for a trial shift at the bakery with his head held high, motivated to change the trajectory of his life. That same day, the hiring manager offered him the position. “I called my girl, and I told her, ‘Baby, I got the job!’ Best feeling ever.”

More than a year later, Cordaro continues to grow at Larder Bakery. When he is not at work, he spends time with his wife and daughters and develops his plan to launch an organization that educates and empowers young men and women in the community in which he grew up. With support from Chrysalis, Cordaro turned the key, changed his future, and found the dignity and stability that come with having a job. We commend him for his success, and we look forward to the continued impact he will have on the lives of those around him.

The post Success Bells: Cordaro first appeared on Chrysalis.

Tobin recalls experiencing Los Angeles, and all of society, for the first time in over three decades. “I was scared. I came out and I had to make a lot of decisions and choices; I had to go through scratches, through trial and error. It was overwhelming. I learned to ask for help.”

With the support of his parole officers, counselors, psychologists and CLARE — an organization that prevents addiction through low-cost treatment and sober living — Tobin was able to break out of his protective shell.

Though Tobin is grateful for the guidance he received from all these individuals, he owes everything that he is today to Chrysalis. Chrysalis, with its three offices located in downtown (Skid Row), Santa Monica and the San Fernando Valley, is a nonprofit that creates a pathway to self-sufficiency for homeless, low-income individuals and the formerly incarcerated by preparing, finding and retaining employment for its clients.

According to its president-CEO Mark Loranger, Chrysalis’ success is measured in two ways: the number of people who get a job, and the number of people who have kept the job for at least half a year. “Based on the data we collect, over 70 percent of our clients are still working at the six-month mark,” Loranger says.

Tobin is one of thousands of clients who have found success through Chrysalis. This year, his story was so powerful and so exemplary that Tobin was presented with the 2018 John Dillon Award at Chrysalis’ 17th annual, celebrity-studded Butterfly Ball. Named for Chrysalis’ founder, the award “celebrates the journey and accomplishments of a client who overcame their barriers and obtained employment. This individual represents over 2,300 clients who, with the help of Chrysalis, will realize their dream,” the organization’s website says.

“I was in shock — a wide range of emotions. It was like I had a dream, and it came true,” Tobin reminisces. “Everybody has been so wonderful to me. I feel like a movie star. Coming from where I come from, just to be in front of an A-list crowd, I was scared; I was excited.”

Continue reading…

The post LA Weekly: Trust the Process – A Journey to Self-Sufficiency first appeared on Chrysalis.

When a Chrysalis client lands a job, they ring the Success Bell. Together, staff, volunteers, and clients gather in the lobbies of our centers to rejoice in the life-changing opportunity that a job brings, while we also reflect on the barriers that this individual has overcome. Volunteers like Josh who help clients prepare for an interview with a potential employer are playing a key role in each client’s journey.

For over five years, Josh has conducted practice interviews with Chrysalis clients who are beginning their job search. He shared that, for the 57 percent of Chrysalis clients with a history in the criminal justice system, “without a doubt, the most important thing we do is provide guidance on how to discuss their background with a potential employer so that the employer will look past their past. The clients that have a background are afraid of discussing it because they assume it will ruin any chance of a job. And if they don’t talk about it in the right way, it could. But, with the right attitude and approach, it doesn’t have to. Giving them the language and confidence to discuss this is key to their success.”

In addition to the hands-on work Josh does as a volunteer, he also serves as a Co-Chair for the annual Chrysalis Butterfly Ball. This year’s event, held on June 2, raised a record-breaking $1.8 million to support our mission of changing lives through jobs – thanks, in no small part, to Josh’s work on the event.

Whether he is working to ensure that our annual fundraising event is a success or helping a client discover their voice and courage for an interview, Josh is an invaluable champion for Chrysalis. “Having the ability to come here and witness the work that happens on the ground, I know that money is not being wasted and a lot of good is being done. It’s a really worthy cause for anyone to support.”

Thank you, Josh, for supporting Chrysalis in so many ways!

Volunteer

The post Volunteer Spotlight: Josh first appeared on Chrysalis.

Spotting Sara Gilbert of “Roseanne” in the crowd, he said, “You deserve a … drink,” and then offered the actress and executive producer of the reboot a toast. Often called the “roastmaster general,” the comedian said he had roasted President Trump twice as well as actress Roseanne Barr “years before she started calling people ‘Planet of the Apes.’”

As for former first lady and presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, Ross said he’d been invited to her “victory party” following the 2016 election. “Have you ever gone to a wedding and the bride dies walking down the aisle?” he asked, before adding, “I have.”

He then turned to the subject of immigration, saying, “We can’t forget the forgotten people. It’s really important, whether you’re homeless, whether you’re an immigrant … immigrants come to America, and they do the jobs that Americans don’t want to do,” before joking, “like marry the president.”

The event

Featuring Gina Rodriguez of “Jane the Virgin,” “Bridesmaids” director Paul Feig, Academy Award-winner Jamie Foxx and Chrysalis clients Darrell Stevenson and Byron Taylor to present awards, the 17th annual June 2 gala, which raised an impressive $1.8 million, honored Jim Gianopulos, chairman and chief executive officer of Paramount Pictures; Stacey Sher, producer and co-president of Activision Blizzard Studios; Curtis Stone, chef and owner of the noted restaurants, Maude and Gwen; and Chrysalis client Myron Tobin. R.Lum.R performed at evening’s end.

The scene

“I know we all would have 750 of our nearest and dearest friends at our homes if only they could fit,” said Chrysalis board chair Jill Baldauf, gazing out at the sea of people seated under the stars at Susan Harris and Hayward Kaiser’s Mandeville Canyon estate. Following a cocktail party on the front lawn, presentations and dinner took place at tables set up behind the house. Purple lights and a butterfly projection lighted the home’s exterior.

The crowd

Hollywood VIPs, stars and philanthropists populated the audience, including — aside from the above-noted presenters and honorees — actor-rapper LL Cool J; Gilbert and wife, singer-songwriter Linda Perry; Soleil Moon Frye; Tiffani Thiessen; Carter Jenkins; Lindsay Price and Diane Farr; Perrey Reeves; Robin Weigert; Claire Forlani ; and Vanna White.

Event founder Rebecca Gayheart-Dane served as co-chair, along with Universal Pictures Chairwoman Donna Langley, Evolution Media’s Rick Hess, Creative Artists Agency’s Josh Lieberman and WME’s Richard Weitz.

The quotes

Ross said he’d visited the Chrysalis Center in downtown Los Angeles, where he toured skid row, calling the experience “eye-opening.” Said Ross, “If somebody can survive getting out of skid row, they deserve a second chance in the workplace.”

Both Gianopulos and Sher spoke of the difficulties faced by those living in poverty. “As hard as any of us in this room think we’ve ever had it, no one has worked as hard as the people who come to Chrysalis like [fellow honoree] Myron,” Sher said. “They all have to work harder because so much is stacked against them.”

The numbers

Tickets for the nearly 750 guests began at $1,250, with tables ranging up to $50,000. Including sponsorship by Kayne Anderson Capital Advisors Foundation, support from Netflix and additional contributions, the $1.8 million raised will fund the charity’s mission to help homeless and low-income individuals by providing them with skills, clothes and other resources needed to secure jobs and become self-sufficient.

(Photo credits: Vivien Killilea | Rachel Murray / Getty Images)

The post Los Angeles Times: Pointed jokes and open wallets help Chrysalis Butterfly Ball raise $1.8 million to help the homeless first appeared on Chrysalis.