A butterfly’s transformation is a quiet process of patience, perseverance, and possibility; a fitting metaphor for an organization devoted to helping individuals find their footing and begin anew.
On October 10, that spirit of transformation took center stage at the annual Chrysalis Butterfly Ball, this year held at The Beehive in Los Angeles, where Hollywood stars, philanthropists, and business leaders gathered for an evening of celebration and giving. The gala raised over $2.7 million to support their mission of helping individuals overcome barriers to employment and build meaningful careers.
Hosted by Max Greenfield (New Girl), the evening brought together familiar faces from the entertainment industry, including the anticipated reunion of the beloved sitcom’s cast: Zooey Deschanel, Jake Johnson, Lamorne Morris, Hannah Simone, and Damon Wayans Jr., all of whom joined Greenfield in receiving the inaugural Rising Phoenix Award.
The award, inspired by one of the show’s most memorable lines, recognized the cast’s portrayal of resilience, friendship, and the possibility of starting over, themes that echo the very mission of Chrysalis.
The evening also honored Banc of California Chairman and CEO Jared Wolff with the Corporate Trailblazer Award as well as the former Chrysalis client Guadalupe Rios with the John Dillon Award, recognizing their respective contributions and achievements.
Amid the Hollywood reunions and philanthropic celebrations, the evening also featured a touch of Boston with a performance by singer-songwriter and Boston native Becca Hannah, daughter of Commonwealth Stories Co-Founder Josh Kraft and Carolyn Kraft.For Hannah, the evening was a memorable intersection of music, philanthropy, and a few unexpected Hollywood moments. Performing songs from her debut album, Tonight In My Dreams, alongside some unreleased originals set for production and release in the new year, Hannah described the experience as both exciting and surreal.
“Chrysalis is such a wonderful organization, and being able to be a part of such a meaningful event felt really special,” Hannah said. Though her musical journey has brought her to Los Angeles, Hannah’s connection to Boston remains an important part of her identity.
“My Boston roots follow me wherever I go,” she said. “I live for the bluntness of the east coast, and it’s where I feel the most grounded and comfortable.”
At the same time, Hannah credits Los Angeles with expanding her creative horizons, describing a city whose people and culture have challenged and inspired her in unexpected ways.
“Living in LA has stretched my creative muscles beyond what I thought was possible,” she said. “The people here fiercely inspire me, and the connections I’ve made have left beautiful imprints on my journey as a creative and simply as a human.”
Her performance at the Butterfly Ball offered a fitting intersection of those two worlds, bringing a touch of Boston’s spirit to an evening dedicated to possibility and new beginnings.
The evening indeed offered no shortage of memorable performances and Hollywood encounters, but the heart of the celebration remained rooted in the transformative work of Chrysalis.
Since its founding in 1984, the Southern California nonprofit has served more than 95,000 individuals, helping those facing barriers to employment find meaningful work and build more stable futures. In 2025 alone, nearly 2,200 Chrysalis clients secured employment while participating in the organization’s programs.
Among those whose lives have been shaped by Chrysalis is Guadalupe Rios, who was honored during the evening’s ceremony. After experiencing homelessness and other personal challenges, Rios found a new beginning through Chrysalis’ job-readiness and transitional employment programs, eventually building a career with the California Department of Transportation.
“For me, the Chrysalis Roads program is what changed my life,” Rios said during her acceptance speech. “That opportunity opened the door for me, but more importantly, it gave me the chance to grow, learn, and prove to myself that I can accomplish my goals.”
While the evening’s performances and Hollywood reunions drew much attention to the ball, its success rested equally on the dedication of those working behind the scenes. Among them was honorary co-chair Bob Hart, whose involvement reflected the collective commitment of organizers, sponsors, and supporters to Chrysalis’ mission of creating opportunities for those seeking a fresh start.
As the evening’s celebrations faded, the spirit of the Butterfly Ball endured in the promise of new beginnings, a reminder that even the most remarkable transformations are made possible by those who believe in the potential of others. Beyond the new performances, celebration, and generosity, something in the evening became ever the more enduring: the simple but proud power of giving someone the chance to take flight.
