By admin 
The beloved ensemble cast of the hit sitcom "New Girl" is set to grace the stage at the upcoming Chrysalis Butterfly Ball in Los Angeles, where they will be jointly honored with the prestigious Rising Phoenix Award. The star-studded event, scheduled for October 10th, will bring together Zooey Deschanel, Max Greenfield, Jake Johnson, Lamorne Morris, Hannah Simone, and Damon Wayans Jr. for a reunion that promises to be a highlight of the evening. This recognition is particularly fitting given the show’s enduring theme of second chances and the power of reinvention, mirroring the core mission of Chrysalis, an organization dedicated to helping individuals overcome homelessness and poverty through employment.
The "New Girl" cast’s upcoming appearance comes on the heels of a tantalizing hint from Max Greenfield himself, who recently revealed during an interview on "Today With Jenna & Sheinelle" on July 31st that an official "New Girl" reunion project is indeed in the works. "As far as I know, it’s happening," Greenfield stated, fueling excitement among fans. "I’ve seen scripts, they’re amazing." While details remain scarce, this confirmation from a key cast member suggests that the spirit of the loft dwellers might soon be gracing screens once more, making this Chrysalis honor an even more poignant celebration of their collective journey.
The Rising Phoenix Award, bestowed upon the "New Girl" cast, is designed to acknowledge individuals and projects that embody the spirit of starting anew and empowering others to do the same. This aligns perfectly with the narrative arc of "New Girl," which followed a quirky and relatable group of roommates navigating their late twenties and early thirties, facing career setbacks, romantic entanglements, and personal growth, all while learning to rely on each other. The award serves as a testament to the show’s ability to resonate with audiences through its exploration of life’s inevitable transitions and the courage it takes to forge a new path.
Max Greenfield, who not only stars in the celebrated sitcom but also reprises his role as host for the Chrysalis event, expressed his enthusiasm for the dual honor. The gala will also pay tribute to Jared Wolff, chairman and CEO of Banc of California, with the Corporate Trailblazer Award, recognizing his significant contributions and investment in the Los Angeles community. This partnership between Hollywood talent and corporate leadership underscores the broad spectrum of support Chrysalis garners, highlighting the widespread belief in its impactful work.
Mark Loranger, president and CEO of Chrysalis, articulated the significance of this year’s honorees, stating, "This year’s honorees reflect the resilience and second chances at the heart of Chrysalis’ work." He elaborated on the synergy between the "New Girl" cast and Wolff’s leadership: "Jared, through his leadership at Banc of California, has invested in Los Angeles where our clients are doing the same and ‘New Girl’ built seven seasons around characters navigating through life changes and starting over. Every year, Chrysalis helps thousands of people achieve goals they may not have thought possible, and the Butterfly Ball allows us to celebrate their accomplishments while ensuring that even more people have access to the support they need." This statement powerfully connects the fictional narrative of a beloved television show with the tangible impact of a vital non-profit organization.
Chrysalis, a beacon of hope in Southern California since its inception in 1984, has a profound mission: to empower individuals experiencing homelessness and poverty to find meaningful employment and build self-sustaining futures. The organization’s approach is holistic, providing a comprehensive suite of services that include job readiness training, career counseling, access to supportive services, and transitional employment opportunities. Over the decades, Chrysalis has touched the lives of more than 95,000 individuals across its six centers and various outreach locations throughout the region. The statistics from 2025 alone paint a compelling picture of their success: nearly 2,200 clients secured permanent employment through Chrysalis programs, and an additional 1,600 individuals found work within the organization’s innovative employment social enterprise model. This social enterprise not only provides immediate income and job experience but also cultivates a sense of purpose and dignity, crucial elements in breaking the cycle of poverty.
The Chrysalis Butterfly Ball is more than just a fundraising event; it is a celebration of resilience, a testament to the power of community, and a vital platform for raising awareness and resources to support Chrysalis’ ongoing efforts. The event’s success is bolstered by the dedication of its Honorary Co-Chairs and the generous contributions of its sponsors. For the 2026 iteration, the distinguished list of Honorary Co-Chairs includes prominent figures such as Betsy Beers, Rebecca Gayheart Dane, Max Greenfield, Hayward Kaiser & Susan Harris, Chris Hart, Cynthia & Bob Hart, Rick Hess, Josh Lieberman, and Amelia Williamson. The event’s crucial financial backing is provided by esteemed sponsors like The Chuck Lorre Family Foundation, TruAmerica, and US Bank, demonstrating a broad coalition of support for Chrysalis’ mission.
The legacy of the Butterfly Ball is further cemented by the caliber of its past honorees, a list that reads like a who’s who of entertainment and philanthropy. This esteemed group includes individuals who have not only achieved remarkable success in their respective fields but have also demonstrated a commitment to social impact. Past recipients of awards at the Butterfly Ball have included Betsy Beers, Common, Salma Hayek, Jennifer Hudson, Ice Cube, Donna Langley, Shawn Levy, LL Cool J, Seth MacFarlane, Ryan Murphy, Queen Latifah, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Curtis Stone, Scott Stuber, and Olivia Wilde. The inclusion of the "New Girl" cast among such distinguished company speaks volumes about the impact and cultural relevance of their work, as well as the alignment of their personal values with the humanitarian goals of Chrysalis.
The connection between "New Girl’s" narrative and Chrysalis’ mission is profound. The show, with its relatable characters often grappling with uncertainty and the need to pivot in their personal and professional lives, served as a comforting and inspiring mirror for many viewers. Jess Day, the optimistic and quirky protagonist, often found herself reinventing her life, from changing careers to navigating new relationships, embodying the spirit of embracing change and moving forward. Similarly, characters like Nick Miller, Schmidt, Winston, and Cece all underwent significant transformations throughout the series, demonstrating the human capacity for growth and adaptation. This resonates deeply with Chrysalis clients, who are actively engaged in transforming their own lives through hard work and the support of the organization. The award acknowledges that art, in its ability to reflect and illuminate the human experience, can itself be a catalyst for inspiration and a reminder of the possibility of fresh starts.
The anticipated reunion of the "New Girl" cast at the Butterfly Ball is more than just a celebrity appearance; it’s a symbolic convergence of entertainment and social good. It highlights how popular culture can shed light on important societal issues and inspire collective action. By honoring these actors, Chrysalis not only celebrates their talent but also leverages their platform to amplify its message and reach a wider audience. The funds raised at the Butterfly Ball will directly contribute to expanding Chrysalis’ services, enabling them to assist more individuals in their journey towards stable employment and a brighter future. The event serves as a powerful reminder that while fictional narratives may entertain us, real-world stories of resilience and transformation are equally, if not more, compelling, and deserve our unwavering support. The evening promises to be a memorable occasion, celebrating the enduring appeal of "New Girl" and the vital, life-changing work of Chrysalis.
