Chrysalis, a nonprofit organization focused on solving and preventing homelessness, held its annual Butterfly Ball gala in Los Angeles on Saturday night. The event honored Lionsgate Motion Picture Group chair Joe Drake, Lionsgate president Nathan Kahane, and UTA co-head of talent Chris Hart. Despite the recent end of the writers’ strike and ongoing strike by SAG-AFTRA, comedian Ike Barinholtz made light of the situation when presenting Drake and Kahane with their honors.
Barinholtz started his speech by acknowledging that the Butterfly Ball was one of the first events in town celebrating the end of the writers’ strike, which received applause from the crowd at Los Angeles’ Petersen Museum. As a proud member of the Writers Guild of America, Barinholtz took the opportunity to apologize to the studio and streaming executives in the room for picketing during the strike. He joked that it was just a big goof and asked them to remember his apology when he pitches TV shows and movies in the future.
However, amidst the lightheartedness, Barinholtz also acknowledged the importance of Chrysalis and its work in tackling homelessness. He praised Drake and Kahane for their contributions to the industry, noting that they have given many people their first breakthrough in the business. Barinholtz commended their willingness to take chances on individuals and provide them with the necessary support to succeed, emphasizing that they are not only good movie producers but also good human beings.
Drake took the stage after a video montage featuring virtual congratulations from Will Ferrell, Kerry Washington, and Robert De Niro. He expressed his support for organizations like Chrysalis, which focus on making lasting, generational change one individual at a time. Drake highlighted the importance of uplifting hardworking individuals who face barriers to improving their lives. He applauded Chrysalis for being an extraordinary organization that provides the necessary support to those who need it most.
Actor Terry Crews, the emcee for the evening, shared his personal connection to Chrysalis. After retiring from the NFL, Crews struggled to find work in the entertainment industry. Eventually, he registered with a temp agency and was sent a job to sweep floors at a factory. Although initially devastating, this experience allowed Crews to reshape his mindset and take charge of his life. He highlighted the impact of Chrysalis, sharing that over 1,700 individuals worked a transitional job with the organization last year. Stephanie Jeffcoat, one of Chrysalis’ successful alumni, received the John Dillon Award at the event.
Another honoree of the night was Chris Hart, who received his award from his longtime client John Cho. Cho praised Hart for his strategic understanding of the larger picture, contrasting it with his own tendency to get bogged down in details. Hart’s ability to see causes and effects that others may overlook has been instrumental in their working relationship. Cho jokingly referred to Hart’s intelligence, mentioning that there is a very large brain underneath his perfect haircut. A video featuring messages from various celebrities and UTA executives, including CEO Jeremy Zimmer, further highlighted Hart’s impact.
In his acceptance speech, Hart reflected on the sudden loss of his father when he was 21 and just starting out in the entertainment business. He expressed gratitude for the people who believed in him and gave him a chance to grow professionally. Hart emphasized the importance of being someone who pays it forward and helps others grow in the workplace. He also expressed his commitment to contributing to organizations like Chrysalis.
Overall, the annual Butterfly Ball gala not only celebrated the achievements of Joe Drake, Nathan Kahane, and Chris Hart but also highlighted the essential work of Chrysalis in supporting individuals experiencing homelessness. The event brought together industry professionals who recognized the importance of uplifting and empowering those facing barriers to the workforce. Through their support, Chrysalis continues to make a lasting, positive impact on individuals’ lives, one person at a time.