On Monday, the Monique Wooley foundation hosted their newest program "Honoring Our Everyday Heroes". This gala brought together local frontline workers and community members for awards, honors for outstanding work, and fundraising for mental health. In addition to their suicide prevention and mental health outreach work, the foundation has added a special focus for Frontline heroes in recent years focusing on first responders and public service in the LA area. They focus on honoring those who work on PTSD, supporting first responders, and more. This year, they were honoring frontline heroes who were involved in the Los Angeles Fires in January 2025. On the red carpet, I spoke to some of the honorees, presenters, and victims of the fires who shared their powerful experience.
The event was described as following:
The evening will spotlight and honor firefighters, police officers, first responders, military service members, and community leaders, while also honoring families affected by the devastating Eaton and Palisades fires on Jan. 7, 2025.
Behind the foundation and the celebration is a story of love and loss. Monique “Mo” Woolley—a daughter, mother, sister, and friend—tragically died by suicide in June 2015. In her memory, her mother, Amour Delus, founded the Monique Woolley Foundation and launched the #WhenFeelingBlueThinkYellow (#WFBTY) movement. The foundation’s mission is to transform grief into purpose, raise awareness of mental health, and celebrate everyday heroes, reminding everyone that “It’s OK not to be OK.”
Hosted by: Beverly Todd and Arlise Emerson
Beverly Todd, actress, producer, writer, and People’s Choice Award recipient and NAACP Image Award nominee. Arlise Emerson, a former UCLA track and field athlete who competed on an NCAA Outdoor Championship–winning team and has since made meaningful contributions beyond athletics.
Presenters: Among the distinguished presenters are Taylor Armstrong from The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills; Elizabeth Vargas, from The Real Housewives of Orange County; Victoria Recano, Correspondent for Inside Edition; and Chantelle Baier, Founder and CEO of 4SPACE—the first woman in the world to own a space company.
Honorees: Firefighters, First Responders, Military Service Members, Olympians, community leaders, and honoring families affected by the devastating Eaton and Palisades.
Fire Departments: Beverly Hills, Pasadena, Glendale, Santa Monica, Los Angeles Fire Department, Los Angeles County & City Fire Departments. Police Departments: Beverly Hills Police Department, Inglewood Police Department. Please see the full list of honorees in the press release: shorturl.at/VGj7X
Red Carpet Attendees: Taylor Armstrong, from The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills; Elizabeth Vargas, from The Real Housewives of Orange County; Victoria Recano, Correspondent for Inside Edition; and Chantelle Baier, Founder and CEO of 4SPACE—the first woman in the world to own a space company; Mila J, Music Artist; Jhene Aiko, Music Artist; Jay Huguley, Actor (Landman, Lioness, Outer Banks, 12 Years a Salve), Billy Moss,Multi Platinum Proucer; Gavyn Rhone, Music Artist; Larry Lee (Former NFL player and executive), Mike Mann (radio personality), Jeanette Bolden (Olympic gold medalist), Arlise Emerson (former UCLA track and field athlete who competed on an NCAA Outdoor Championship–winning team and has since made meaningful contributions beyond athletics) are among the talent walking the carpet.
Check out my video from the red carpet below for more from the event and inspiring conversations with everyday heroes!
