New Girl Cast Receives Rising Phoenix Award at Chrysalis Gala

The cast of the television comedy New Girl reunited in Los Angeles on Saturday, October 10, 2026, to receive the inaugural Rising Phoenix Award at the Chrysalis Butterfly Ball. Hosted by Max Greenfield at The Beehive, the annual fundraising event raised $2.7 million to support the Southern California nonprofit's efforts to help people overcome employment barriers.

The reunion brought together Zooey Deschanel, Max Greenfield, Jake Johnson, Lamorne Morris, Hannah Simone and Damon Wayans Jr. More than eight years after the series finale, the ensemble was recognized for themes of resilience, new beginnings and the importance of support during difficult periods.

Chrysalis provides employment assistance to people seeking meaningful work and greater stability. The evening also recognized individuals and organizations supporting workforce opportunities, including a former program participant who built a career with Caltrans.

The Rising Phoenix Award takes its name from a line delivered by Greenfield's character, Schmidt, in the seven-season comedy: "Without ash to rise from, the phoenix would just be a bird getting up."

Deschanel joked about the circumstances behind the reunion while thanking Chrysalis and Greenfield for bringing the cast together for the event.

"We are so honored to be here tonight celebrating Chrysalis, and we'd especially like to thank Max, who, while organizing this, announced that an actual New Girl reunion was happening, and he made our lives so very annoying," Deschanel said.

Greenfield acknowledged that his announcement had helped bring attention to the nonprofit and its fundraising event.

"Now is probably not the most appropriate time to apologize for this, but yes, that's something that happened, and I'm sorry. It did, however, bring a lot of attention to Chrysalis and what we're doing here tonight, accidentally," Greenfield said.

In a statement shared before the gala, Greenfield also reflected on the lasting relationship among the cast members and the significance of supporting Chrysalis.

"I'm so grateful to be a part of the ensemble cast of New Girl. It is a bond that we share that continues to bring us closer together over time. Reuniting for Chrysalis, while maybe not the reunion I accidentally announced on the Today Show, has been one of the most meaningful periods of this whole experience," Greenfield said.

Chrysalis President and CEO Mark Loranger highlighted the organization's mission and the role of employment in helping people rebuild their lives. He also recognized the upcoming 10th anniversary of Chrysalis' first Roads crew, established through a partnership with Caltrans.

"A job is hope you can hold in your hand. It's a paycheck, a little money in the bank, bills paid on time, and the pride of saying, 'I made it,'" Loranger said.

He connected the organization's name to the time and support required for personal transformation, emphasizing the role of donors and supporters in helping clients move forward.

"We named this organization Chrysalis because transformation takes time, protection, and support before anyone gets to fly. Tonight, you are that support," Loranger said.

The event also honored Jared Wolff, chairman and chief executive officer of Banc of California, with the Corporate Trailblazer Award. Butterfly Ball Honorary Co-Chair Bob Hart presented the recognition, which celebrates sustained commitments to improving opportunities for communities served by Chrysalis.

Wolff has served as the bank's president and CEO since 2019 and became chairman of its board in 2025. His community involvement includes service on the CEO Council of Los Angeles and the Los Angeles Sports and Entertainment Commission, as well as participation in Steadfast LA's coalition to rebuild the city after the January 2025 wildfires.

Wolff said businesses could help people overcome hiring obstacles by providing access to employment and opportunities to demonstrate their abilities.

"We are so proud to support the great work of Chrysalis. You meet people who are ready to move forward but face real barriers to getting hired. You help them prepare, stand with them through setbacks, and keep believing in what they can do," Wolff said.

He also emphasized the influence employers have over who receives opportunities and the potential consequences of their hiring decisions.

"For those of us who lead businesses, there's a responsibility here. We make decisions about who gets an interview, who gets hired, and who gets a chance to prove themselves. Those decisions can change someone's life," Wolff said.

Wolff accepted the award on behalf of his colleagues and recognized their work supporting clients and communities.

"I'm grateful to accept this award on behalf of all of my Banc of California colleagues. I'm so proud of the work you do each day showing up for our clients and communities. It recognizes your commitment, and it reminds us of our responsibility to keep opening doors, creating opportunity, and investing in people," Wolff said.

Guadalupe Rios received the John Dillon Award, presented by Chrysalis Board Chair Amelia Williamson. Named after the nonprofit's founder, the award recognizes a former client who has overcome barriers while pursuing employment.

After experiencing homelessness, substance use challenges and separation from her children, Rios entered Chrysalis' job-readiness program and secured transitional employment with a Chrysalis Roads freeway maintenance crew. She advanced to lead and supervisor positions before joining Caltrans, where her career helped her rebuild stability and reconnect with her family.

Rios credited the program with helping her develop the skills and confidence to pursue her goals.

"For me, the Chrysalis Roads program is what changed my life. That opportunity opened the door for me, but more importantly, it gave me the chance to grow, learn, and prove to myself that I can accomplish my goals," Rios said.