
annual 2025 Los angeles Gala
Hope & Healing for Los Angeles: Supporting, Uplifting, and Empowering Communities Affected by the Los Angeles Wildfires
On May 1, 2025, Ali & Joe Torre hosted an unforgettable evening at The Maybourne Beverly Hills, bringing together guests from the worlds of sports, music, and entertainment, along with our life-saving counselors, staff, board, and supporters. This year, we gathered to create Hope & Healing for Los Angeles, supporting, uplifting, and empowering communities impacted by the wildfires.
The evening began with a VIP cocktail reception and silent auction, followed by a deeply emotional program that was filled with emotion, gratitude, laughter, healing and moments of profound inspiration. Joe Torre, our co-founder, welcomed everyone with a heartfelt message, setting the tone for a night of connection and healing.
Ali Torre, alongside Joe, expressed their deep appreciation for the guests who made the evening possible and shared their commitment to standing alongside the communities that need it most. Ali introduced a short film featuring current Margaret’s Place students ranging from elementary through high school, giving us a powerful glimpse into how our programs are creating a tangible impact. As the next generation of changemakers, we witnessed their resilience, growth, and efforts to create safer, braver spaces in their communities, offering a moving reminder of the real, lasting change we are making together.
"This is a place where we all come together, where the strength of our community and the kindness we show each other makes all the difference." - Ali Torre, Co-Founder & President, Safe At Home Foundation
We had the incredible honor of celebrating Lori Yve Sunkin, LMFT, a dedicated Board Member and psychotherapist, for her extraordinary contributions to the mental health field, and her unwavering commitment to supporting individuals through trauma, transition, and healing for over 30 years. Lori’s profound impact on the Safe At Home mission was acknowledged with heartfelt words from Denise and Bryan Freedman, who introduced her as our 2025 honoree.
“Lori’s generosity and deep understanding of trauma have shaped so many lives. She is a beacon of hope, reminding us all of the importance of safe spaces and the power of connection.” - Bryan Freedman
Lori was greeted with a standing ovation, and expressed her gratitude.
“I want to live in a world where even in our greatest pain, we connect and hold each other. Thank you for allowing me to be part of this community, where healing is always possible.”- Lori Yve Sunkin, LMFT
Maile Zambuto, our CEO, spoke from the heart, sharing her deep belief in the strength, courage and resilience of the youth we serve and the vital role Safe At Home plays in their healing journey. She introduced our Hope & Healing film.
“The strength and resilience of these young people are a reminder that even in our darkest times, we have the power to rise up and rebuild.” - Maile Zambuto, Chief Executive Officer, Safe At Home Foundation
The evening continued with a live program auction reflective of the deep investment and generosity of our community of supporters. Proceeds from this evening will directly fund our ongoing efforts and provide trauma-informed support, healing resources, and education to those affected by the fires—ensuring that youth and families have the tools they need to rebuild and thrive as well as our ongoing work across Los Angeles creating safer, braver spaces for youth.
"Margaret’s Place provides a place where students can feel that there is at least one person doing their best to create a safe space for them when there might not be any other space in their life where they can do that." - Sylvia Gausman, Margaret’s Place Counselor, Royal Oaks STEAM Academy, Los Angeles
We were inspired by Susan Toler Carr, Co-founder & Executive Director of the Justin Carr Wants World Peace Foundation, who shared a deeply personal message about grief, healing, and the importance of building community. Susan spoke candidly about the loss of her son, Justin, and the pain of losing cherished memories related to him in the fires. Her words resonated deeply with everyone in the room as she spoke about the strength and resilience we all carry in the face of loss and tragedy.
“Grief comes in many forms, but in all of its forms, we carry it together. It’s the power of connection, of community, that helps us heal. Safe At Home provides that connection, and through it, we can all find peace.” - Susan Toler Carr, Co-founder & Executive Director, Justin Carr Wants World Peace Foundation
The evening concluded with a beautiful performance by MILCK, a recording artist, writer, producer, and social change artist known for her anthemic songs that give voice to the emotions behind global and grassroots movements. MILCK performed “Power of the Heart” from her new album, as her music brought us all closer together with a message of healing and empowerment.
Following MILCK, Matt Scannell, lead singer and guitarist of Vertical Horizon, shared a selection of songs with the crowd. Matt, the songwriter behind the #1 Billboard hit “Everything You Want,” reminded us of the power of connection through art and song. “Music is where we find healing,” Matt said. “It’s where we all come together, no matter our differences, to find common ground.”
As the night came to a close, we were reminded of the collective strength of our community. Thanks to your incredible support, we continue to expand our reach and impact, helping young people and families across Los Angeles and beyond.
"Even though I lost so much, I learned that what really matters is the people who are there for you—your teammates, your family, and your community." - Jett Teegardin
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our Event Committee, Board of Directors, staff, photographers, volunteers, and supporters who helped make this event so meaningful. Thank you to the Pali High Staff, the Baseball Team, and the Film Team for capturing video of the evening. And a very special thank you to Lindsay Crystal Miller for her unwavering support in directing and producing the videos we shared throughout the night.
Together, we are creating safer, braver spaces where the next generation of changemakers can heal, grow, and lead the way toward brighter futures.
"In times like these, the power of community and collective resilience becomes our greatest strength." - Joe Torre
EVENT COMMiTTEE
Charmaine Bailey • Joseph & Rita Cohen • Lindsay Crystal Miller • Gia Levin
Edward Mady • Mareva Marciano • Neda Marroso • Alison Petrocelli • Jeff Proctor
Michelle Richman • Tawny Sanders • Ken Scherer • Vaun Wilmott • Richard Weitz