Hope is what drives us. Hope is what motivates us. Hope is the light in the darkness, and it’s exactly what the inspiring nonprofit Homeboy Industries brings to several thousands of individuals. Homeboy Industries is the largest gang intervention, rehabilitation, and reentry program in the world. The impactful organization was founded by Father Greg Boyle, who was recently honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
“In addition to providing comprehensive wrap around social services, Homeboy Industries provides job training and quality jobs through its 11 social enterprises. The nonprofit provides healing and alternatives to gang life, creating more inclusive, safer, and healthier communities. Through the Global Homeboy Network, Homeboy Industries engages with hundreds of like-minded organizations around the world providing technical assistance to foster a paradigm of social change rooted in radical kinship and a commitment to standing with those on the margins” (source: press release).
Iconic actor and activist Jane Fonda has been an avid supporter of Homeboy Industries and its mission for several years. Fonda returned as the host of the 2024 Homeboy Industries Lo Máximo Awards and Fundraising Gala, which took place on April 27 at the JW Marriott LA Live in Los Angeles, California.
Trailblazing journalist Lisa Ling, actors Camilla Belle and Joseph Lucero, and podcast host Lily Rosenthal were some of the many celebrities who showed their support at the wonderful event. Grammy-Award winning singer, songwriter, and record producer, the renowned Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, took on the stage for a remarkable performance at the gala.
Kim Kardashian was recognized as the esteemed Kinship Honoree at the event for her commitment to criminal justice reform.
This year’s event raised over $2 million to continue the organization’s vital and groundbreaking work. Father Greg Boyle said, “Lo Máximo means ‘the best,’ and Lo Máximo is an evening celebrating the best of us – our community of kinship and all of the homegirls and homeboys and the brave people who walk through our doors to transform their lives, the lives of their families, and their communities.”
Check out some more photos below from the 2024 Homeboy Industries Lo Máximo Awards and Fundraising Gala and see how attendees embodied this year’s theme: RAISE HOPE.
Watch my VIPAccessEXCLUSIVE interview with the legendary Jane Fonda below to hear her advice on how to have hope even during the toughest of times.
Check out my VIPAccessEXCLUSIVE interview with consummate musician Babyface at Homeboy Industries’ Lo Máximo Awards and Fundraising Gala below.
To learn more about the nonprofit, visit here.
Photo Credits: Randy Shropshire & Vivian Killilea / Getty Images
