When Hollywood Meets Social Responsibility: A Reunion for a Cause

The stars of New Girl are reuniting, but not on our screens. Instead, they will gather at the Chrysalis Butterfly Ball on October 10th to receive the Rising Phoenix Award, an honor that recognizes both social responsibility and celebrity spectacle. The annual gala supports Chrysalis, a Southern California nonprofit that helps individuals overcome obstacles on their path to meaningful employment.

The reunion has all the makings of a feel-good story: beloved actors coming together for a good cause, celebrating resilience and second chances. However, it also highlights the deeper purpose behind many entertainment industry events. New Girl may have been about characters navigating life changes and starting over, but its cast is now using their platform to support an organization that empowers people to achieve seemingly impossible goals.

Chrysalis helps thousands of individuals achieve their goals each year. The Butterfly Ball allows the organization to celebrate these accomplishments while securing funding for its programs. This model has been replicated in various forms across the entertainment industry, with red carpet events and charity galas contributing to a narrative about Hollywood’s commitment to social responsibility.

The Chrysalis Butterfly Ball represents a shift in the way celebrities engage with their platforms and use their influence for good. Gone are the days of vague endorsements and tokenistic charitable donations; today, stars like the cast of New Girl are taking an active role in supporting causes that matter to them.

Jared Wolff, chairman and CEO of Banc of California, is also being recognized at the event as an honorary recipient of the Corporate Trailblazer Award. His leadership and investment in Los Angeles – an area where Chrysalis’ clients are doing critical work – have earned him this distinction. This intersection of business and social responsibility is exactly what’s needed in today’s landscape: companies that prioritize both profit and purpose.

The cast of New Girl will be among a group of individuals who have invested time, money, and energy into supporting Chrysalis’ mission at the Butterfly Ball. Their presence is a testament to the power of collective action and the impact that can be made when we come together for a common cause.

Notable honorary co-chairs of the 2026 Butterfly Ball include Greenfield, Betsy Beers, Rebecca Gayheart Dane, Hayward Kaiser & Susan Harris, Chris Hart, Cynthia and Bob Hart, Rick Hess, Josh Lieberman, and Amelia Williamson. What’s notable is that they’re being celebrated for their commitment to social responsibility, not just their celebrity status.

The Chrysalis Butterfly Ball may be a glamorous event, but it also serves as a reminder that genuine connection and purpose can be found in unexpected places – on the red carpet or at a charity gala. This message extends beyond the entertainment industry itself: when Hollywood meets social responsibility, something remarkable happens.

As the New Girl cast takes their Rising Phoenix Award home with them, they will carry more than just a trophy. They will be carrying a sense of what it means to use their platform for good – and inspiring others to do the same.