The 2025 Los Angeles Builders Ball was held at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, on Thursday, March 20, uniting leaders from the building, real estate, and philanthropic sectors. The evening raised over $1 million, which went to support Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles (Habitat LA). After the devastation of the Los Angeles fires at the start of the year, the sixth annual event brought together a star-studded guest list all in the name of renewing, rebuilding, and restoring the city.
Hosted by radio veteran Pat Prescott, and Presented by City National Bank, the Builders Ball featured an exciting live auction with one-of-a-kind experiences, including an exclusive Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Experience, a Mexican Riviera Travel Package, and a coveted Lakers Showtime Package.
The night’s honorees included Greystar, recognized as Builder of the Year, Dream Builder Award recipients Byron and Cecilia Scott, and Cindy Hoag, who received the Foundation Builder Award. Luminaries like actor Glynn Turman, “The Young and the Restless” actress Kate Linder, and music icon Robin Thicke spoke to Hollywood First Look on the red carpet, sharing their personal connections to Habitat LA and its vital mission.
Five-time GRAMMY Award nominee Robin Thicke, who performed a medley of hits during the evening, revealed to Hollywood First Look that his personal connection to Habitat LA was close to his heart. “It’s a very personal event because we lost our home six years ago,” he explained. “You know how challenging and difficult this all can be for a family to rebuild and get back to feeling like they have a home again. So, it’s a wonderful cause—building homes for people who need it, for families who have lost and need help and financial assistance. We’re here for a great reason. I love to lend whatever spirit and music I can, so I’m gonna rock it and help raise some money tonight.”
Actress Toks Olagundoye has raised funds for people experiencing homelessness for over a decade and came out to show her support for Habitat LA. “To have a roof over your head should not be a luxury,” she said, stressing the importance of making safe housing accessible to all.
Kate Linder, who has participated in numerous Habitat builds over the years, reflected on the importance of coming together to rebuild after tragedy, especially in light of recent disasters. “LA is dealing with the fires and the people that have lost their homes… it’s just unimaginable,” she tells Hollywood First Look. “When you’re in a home from Habitat, we all build it together, and that makes me really happy.”
2024 Miss World, Athenna Crosby, was there donning her sash in support of the cause, after personally experiencing the fear of being displaced by the recent fires. She expressed how it made Habitat LA’s commitment to disaster relief even more significant. “It became personal when my roommate and I had to evacuate. Instead of running and worrying, you can come back and rebuild. That’s what Habitat for Humanity does,” she said on the red carpet.
Australian singer and songwriter Vassy also shared her passion for Habitat’s work. “I know what it feels like to lose a home,” she said. “But when you’re in a position where you don’t even have a home to begin with, the fact that this organization actually houses people in free homes, a safe space, that’s everything.”
Emmy and NAACP award-winning actor Glynn Turman recounted building with the late, great president Jimmy Carter and praised his wife Jo-Ann for her incredible work with the organization. Breegan Jane, a designer who dedicates her work to building homes on HGTV, talked about the importance of setting up marginalized communities of diversity to thrive. “Showtime at the Apollo” host Kiki Shepard has been building with Habitat for over 13 years. “LA has been hit with a major catastrophe, but we are coming back,” she tells Hollywood First Look. “Besides building amazing houses and just watching everything they do for the community, it’s just amazing when you look at these families. It helps.”
Cameron Mathison, actor and television host, poignantly shared his personal experience of losing his home in the Altadena fires earlier this year. “There’s nothing really more meaningful than to take your challenges and then use them to empower yourself,” he said. “Habitat does a beautiful thing—from concept to action, to somebody moving in.”
Tina Knowles also made a special appearance for the evening, reflecting on the significance of rebuilding after the recent fires. The fashion designer and philanthropist told Hollywood First Look, “It means more than anything to be here. I wouldn’t miss it because this is so important. It’s inspiring.”
The night culminated in a rousing performance by Robin Thicke, whose medley of hits, including “Blurred Lines,” had everybody up on their feet. For Thicke, and everyone else, the evening wasn’t just about entertainment but about giving back to those who need it most.
Also in attendance were TV personalities like Andy Richter and Nigel Lythgoe, actress Lisa LoCicero, “Found” actress Gabrielle Walsh, publisher, and activist Derek Warburton, actor Ivan Leung, along with basketball legends A.C. Green and Michael Cooper, all of whom lent their support to a cause that touches so many lives.
The Builders Ball was an event that highlighted the people of Los Angeles and their unwavering commitment to ensuring that every individual and family has a safe, affordable place to call home. With the support of stars, philanthropists, and passionate volunteers, Habitat LA continues to build a brighter, more inclusive future for the city they love.
