Hollywood luminaries and influential advocates gathered at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel on March 29, 2026, for the 2nd Annual Cynthia F. Blaizes (CFB) Foundation Heart of Gold Awards Gala. Hosted by comedian Kym Whitley and actor Miguel A. Núñez Jr., the star-powered evening celebrated entertainment legends while spotlighting a crucial mission: supporting seniors, ensuring their dignity, and combating isolation among older adults.
The star-studded event featured celebrity attendees like Kenny Lattimore, Tamala Jones, and Kalen Allen, alongside musical performances from MAJOR, CeCe Peniston, and Freda Payne.
One of the most highly anticipated moments of the night was when actor and comedian Martin Lawrence took the stage to present the Heart of Gold Trailblazer Award to legendary actress Lynn Whitfield. For fans of classic 90s cinema, the presentation was a full-circle reunion between the two icons, who famously starred together in the hit comedy A Thin Line Between Love and Hate. Whitfield received the honor in recognition of her enduring artistic excellence, grace, and multi-generational influence across the entertainment industry.
Whitfield was one of five distinguished individuals celebrated for their long-standing careers, compassion, and cultural impact throughout the evening.
Among them was Tony Award-winning performer Ben Vereen, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his decades of excellence across Broadway, film, and television. While he couldn’t attend in person, his daughter, Kabara Vereen, accepted the award on his behalf. Her acceptance was followed by a heartfelt video message from Vereen himself, emphasizing the importance of preserving legacy and honoring seniors.
The gala also recognized Judge Mablean Ephriam with the Legacy of Distinction Award. The star of Justice with Judge Mablean and founder of the Mablean Ephriam Foundation was honored for her tireless advocacy in supporting families, seniors, and underserved communities.
Similarly, the Pioneer Award went to Hollywood Walk of Fame honoree Garrett Morris, recognizing his groundbreaking contributions to comedy and television. His award was accepted by his longtime friend and Cooley High co-star, Lawrence Hilton Jacobs.
Rounding out the distinguished group was Clara Chiu-Torres, who was presented with the Aging Ally Award. A former AARP executive and VP of Development at AJSOCAL, Chiu-Torres was honored for her decades of dedicated work in amplifying resources and securing funding for underserved communities, particularly older adults.
The star-studded event featured celebrity attendees like Kenny Lattimore, Tamala Jones, and Kalen Allen, alongside musical performances from MAJOR, CeCe Peniston, and Freda Payne.
Beyond the glitz and glamour, the true heart of the gala was the CFB Foundation’s overarching mission. Co-Founder and President Julian L. Bannister delivered a deeply emotional speech inspired by a defining moment with his own grandmother.
He recalled walking into a room of seniors and realizing how many of them had no visitors, no phone calls, and no one checking on them, a reality that sparked the foundation’s Senior Support Movement.
CFB Foundation Co-Founder Yannick Jules-Bannister echoed this sentiment, reminding the audience of the power of collective responsibility and action. “There has never been a movement in history without people becoming doers,” Jules-Bannister stated.
Check out more images from the event below.
The star-studded event, which featured celebrity attendees like Kenny Lattimore, Tamala Jones, and Kalen Allen, alongside musical performances from MAJOR, CeCe Peniston, and Freda Payne.
Photo Credit: Steven Williams Images
