Some fundraising events make headlines because of who shows up. Others matter because of what they make possible. Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles’ 2026 Builders Ball managed to do both, bringing together prominent honorees, corporate partners, and community supporters for an evening that raised more than $1 million to help build and preserve affordable housing across Los Angeles. The event took place on March 26 at the Fairmont Century Plaza and was presented by U.S. Bank.
Andy Richter and Jen Herrera Richter / Credit: Rob Latour / Shutterstock for Habitat for Humanity Greater Los Angeles
On paper, the Builders Ball had all the ingredients of a major Los Angeles gala. Billy Harris hosted. Segun Oduolowu handled the red carpet. The Baka Boyz supplied the soundtrack, and Shalamar closed the evening with a live performance. A live auction featured luxury experiences, sports memorabilia, and high-demand entertainment packages.
But the deeper meaning of the event came from what Habitat LA said the night was for. According to the organization, proceeds support affordable homes, access to homeownership, neighborhood revitalization, and stronger families across Greater Los Angeles. This year’s event also carried a specific connection to ReBUILD LA, Habitat LA’s recovery work for families impacted by the 2025 wildfires.
Cece Scott, Erin Rank and Byron Scott / Credit: Rob Latour / Shutterstock for Habitat for Humanity Greater Los Angeles
That mission was reflected in the people honored. Tina Knowles received the Dream Builder Award, with Habitat LA describing her as a more than 20-year supporter of Habitat for Humanity and a deeply engaged local partner for the past 12 years. U.S. Bank received the Foundation Builder Award after more than two decades of support that Habitat LA says has included funding, volunteer hours, and assistance tied to wildfire recovery. Brookfield Residential was named Builder of the Year for its role in helping communities rebuild after the January 2025 fires.
That combination of honorees tells a bigger story about how housing progress actually happens. It is not built by one sector alone. It takes nonprofit leadership, private capital, corporate partnership, community trust, and sustained public attention. Habitat LA’s own language around the event emphasized exactly that, describing the Builders Ball as a gathering of leaders across construction, real estate, design, philanthropy, and civic life.
Jeffery Daniel, Carolyn Griffey and Howard Hewitt / Credit: Rob Latour / Shutterstock for Habitat for Humanity Greater Los Angeles
What made the evening resonate was not just that it raised a significant sum. It was that the money was tied to something immediate and tangible. Housing insecurity is not an abstract issue in Los Angeles, and wildfire displacement has made that reality even harder for many families. Against that backdrop, the Builders Ball served as a visible expression of solidarity, one that turned influence into support and celebration into practical impact.
For Habitat LA, that may be the most meaningful outcome of all. A room full of attention became a source of momentum. A high-profile night became a vehicle for housing, stability, and hope. And in a city where those things can feel increasingly out of reach, that matters.
