Los Angeles, CA (September 18, 2025) – The Beverly Hills Hotel glittered with star power and heartfelt stories last night as the Los Angeles Dream Center hosted its annual Night of Dreams Gala. The signature fundraiser brought together community leaders, philanthropists, and celebrities to celebrate resilience, generosity, and renewed hope for families in need.
The evening was dedicated to honoring internationally renowned philanthropist and humanitarian Tony Robbins, while also recognizing local heroes who supported families devastated by the Los Angeles wildfires earlier this year. Among the notable guests were actress Angie Everhart, Selling Sunset’s Amanda Lynn, and Yellowstone star Michael Nouri, all gathered to pay tribute to the Dream Center’s decades of impact.
A Night of Music and Inspiration
The gala began in stirring fashion with acclaimed country singer Coffey Anderson delivering a passionate rendition of the National Anthem. The crowd then warmly welcomed media personalities Jason Kennedy and Ellen K, who served as co-hosts, guiding the evening’s events with charm and energy.
Musical highlights kept the spirit alive throughout the night. Grammy-nominated artist Aloe Blacc electrified the ballroom with two high-energy performances, while former American Idol finalist Vonzell Solomon brought attendees to tears with her powerful delivery of “One Moment in Time.”
Later in the night, the energy soared again when all guest artists joined the Dream Center Choir, viral sensation Angelica Nero, rock tribute band DSB, and invited performers for a rousing finale of “We Are the World.” The performance ended with the audience on its feet, many visibly moved by the unity and emotion in the room.
Celebrating Heroes of Service
One of the most touching moments of the evening came during the “Heroes Circle” Award Presentation. Introduced by Dream Center co-founders Pastors Matthew and Caroline Barnett, this segment honored organizations and individuals who stepped up during the Los Angeles wildfires. Chefs Andrew and Lauren Gruel, iHeartMedia, Revell with a Cause, and the Justin Turner Foundation were among those recognized.
Linda “Peaches” Tavani moved attendees with heartfelt reflections on the importance of compassion and resilience, while Dream Center residents took to the stage to share their own stories of transformation. Their testimonies underscored the lasting impact of the center’s housing programs, recovery support, and job training initiatives.
Tony Robbins Receives the Dream Award
The highlight of the evening arrived when Pastor Matthew Barnett presented The Dream Award to Tony Robbins, honoring his global philanthropy and local commitment to Los Angeles. Robbins, known for his larger-than-life seminars and mission-driven projects, was both humble and inspiring in his acceptance remarks.
“We have all these heroes on stage who helped during the wildfires,” Robbins shared. “But the only reason we’re all here is because of heroes like Matthew and Caroline Barnett and the countless volunteers at the Dream Center. They’ve been doing this for three decades, serving selflessly every single day. How could you not support that? While I’m grateful for the honor, I came tonight so that together we can continue to donate and keep building something extraordinary.”
New Initiatives Announced
In addition to his award, Robbins used the night to highlight fresh initiatives designed to expand the center’s impact. Together with the Dream Center, he announced the launch of Dream Center Magazine, a new publication aimed at showcasing philanthropic endeavors and personal stories of hope. Robbins himself graces the debut cover.
The evening also celebrated an expanded partnership between the Dream Center and Robbins’ 100 Billion Meals Challenge. Robbins revealed that not only has he pledged a $1 million donation, but that the 30,000 meals served each week at the Dream Center will now count toward his global campaign to combat food insecurity. “This partnership shows that together, local and global efforts can fuel sustainable impact,” Robbins said.
Fundraising for a Cause
Guests were invited to take part in an exciting live auction led by auctioneer Mark Schustrin. High-profile items included luxury vacations to Mexico and a coveted stay at Robbins’ private retreat in Fiji. But the most impactful opportunities came from sponsorship pledges dedicated directly to Dream Center programs.
Supporters were given the chance to sponsor a month of food distribution for $100,000 or to participate in an “Adopt a Bed” initiative at $7,500. Each bed represents funds to cover one resident’s housing, meals, education, and support services for an entire year. In a dramatic moment, Robbins matched the number of beds donated, adding another $1 million contribution to the cause.
By the close of the auction, a record-breaking $2.8 million had been raised—all of which will directly fund the Dream Center’s programs, ensuring continued support for thousands of underserved individuals and families across Los Angeles.
A Legacy of Hope
As the gala came to a close, Pastor Caroline Barnett reflected on the journey and mission of the Dream Center since its founding over 30 years ago. “We feel so much love in this room,” she told the guests. “When I see nights like this, I have so much hope for the future. The way the Dream Center got its name is powerful—years ago, someone in our recovery program said, ‘You should call this place the Dream Center, because I’m dreaming again.’ That’s what tonight represents: giving people permission to dream again, or even dreaming for them until they’re ready.”
From housing and meals to recovery and education, the Dream Center continues to transform lives every day. This year’s gala was both a celebration and a call to action, reminding attendees that their support fuels life-changing work.
For more information on the Los Angeles Dream Center, its programs, and opportunities to get involved, visit here