Remembering Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles (Habitat LA) 2023 Los Angeles Builders Ball® Presented by City National Bank
March 26, 2023
When I was in California, I was invited to a very special fundraiser called Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles (Habitat LA) 2023 Los Angeles Builders Ball® Presented by City National Bank. It was just before the Oscars and because my client at the time didn't want to do any of the Oscar gifting suites this year, and didn't get accepted into the events I pitched him to, it was going to be a very quiet Oscar season until this invite came along.
I knew it was going to be special because everyone knows what Habit for Humanity does to bless people who need a lift up in society, and in case you're one of the few who don't, this non-profit builds homes for disadvantaged people. Many of the stories shared that night resonated with me because I've been without a place to live in the past and it was very heartwarming to see and hear the life-changing stories of people whose lives were forever changed by having a home to call their own.
I feel blessed to have an apartment to call home here in Alpine, TX because it's large enough to hold all my kitchen appliances, and all the belongings I collected from my storage in GA and CA this past December. I even have an office to work from but choose often just to sit in the living room on the couch because that's what I'm used to. I now even have two pull-out couches in case anyone ever wants to come to visit, even though one needs feet attached to make it suitable. I have living room furniture, not something I've always had everywhere I've lived, which makes me happy. Now I just need a dining room table and then I'll be settled, but for now, TV tables are working fine.:)
But I digress.
The evening honored the Property Brothers Drew & Jonathan Scott, Mattel, and The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company; featured red carpet arrivals, a spirited live auction, and exciting live entertainment by Award-winning singer, songwriter, and actress, Andra Day. Habitat LA raised $925,000 to help fuel the organization's efforts to build and preserve affordable housing during the 2023 Los Angeles Builders Ball®, the organization's largest annual fundraiser. Aptly themed "Rise Up," the annual 'party-with-a-purpose' drew numerous celebrities and Habitat LA supporters whose names are listed below:
Chandra Wilson (2022 Habitat LA Dream Builder Recipient, Grey's Anatomy); Zooey Deschanel (New Girl, Physical); Linda Phan; James Pickens, Jr. (Grey's Anatomy), Tina Knowles Lawson (Designer/Philanthropist); Sugar Ray Leonard (Boxing Legend/Commentator); Glynn Turman (Actor/Producer); Loni Love (Award-winning TV Host); Linda and Amir Mathis (Reality TV personalities); Kelly Jenrette (The CW’s All-American: Homecoming); Geffri Maya (The CW’s All-American: Homecoming); Kate Linder (Young and the Restless); Byron and CeCe Scott (NBA LA Lakers Legend); Chaz Shepherd (The Marvin Sapp Story); Alex Rose Wiesel (Hotel Du Loone); Nneka Ogwumike, WNBA Player, LA Sparks; Tessa Farrell (HBO's Entourage, Cinema Rebel);Teal Swan (Hulu); Adit Dileep (Succession, Billions); Ava Otto (CBS' Come Dance With Me); Angell Conwell (The Young and The Restless); Daniele Lawson (King Richard); Breegan Jane (Extreme Makeover Home Edition); Kim Coles (Living Single, Tyler Perry's House of Payne); Areva Martin (CNN Legal Analyst); Anthony Bless (BET+ Ruthless); KiKi Shephard (Showtime at the Apollo); Petri Hawkins Byrd (Bailiff, Judge Judy); teen fashion entrepreneur and activist Kheris Rogers; Angelique Bates (Nickelodeon's All That); and Adrian Dev (Obi-Wan Kenobi).
I enjoyed hearing Janice Hahn speak because I've met her and politicked against her in the past, but what's nice is we've always been professionally respectful. She's always been there to help whenever I needed help with some government agency proving that despite our opposite political views, you can get along and help someone if you have personal integrity.
I've found that to be true over the years in politics because everyone seems to realize that ultimately, despite a difference of opinion, we all are trying to work for the better good and need to work together to accomplish whatever it is we're trying to do no matter what side of the aisle we're on. And when people don't understand that, they generally don't stay in office very long.
I shared many highlights of the event throughout the evening on my Tiktok feed which you can see here: https://www.tiktok.com/@joystraveladventures
I know I use that word often, but there really is no other word to describe kind, caring, honest, loving men and women standing up to do the right thing for those less fortunate. Fame has a funny way of bringing out the best and worst in people and so far, I've only seen the good in the Property Brothers.
I'm happy that Zooey Deschanel has found love again with Jonathan. It was fun to see her in the audience. I was waiting on my car at the valet when Drew and his wife Linda came out for their car too. He was polite and posed for a photo with a fan. Nice guys all around.
It was very nice to be part of that special evening and I hope you will consider supporting their efforts. I also hope we can look at those less fortunate with kinder eyes because everyone is fighting a battle you may know nothing about.
And kindness matters.