Habitat LA’s 2026 Builders Ball Raises Over $1 Million as Tina Knowles Leads a Night of Purpose in Los Angeles

Philanthropy met star power in Los Angeles as Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles hosted its 2026 Builders Ball, bringing together influential voices across entertainment, business, and real estate for one of the city’s most impactful fundraising events of the year.

Held at the Fairmont Century Plaza, the annual “party with a purpose” raised more than $1 million to support affordable housing initiatives, reinforcing Habitat LA’s ongoing mission to expand access to homeownership across the region.

Hosted by Billy Harris and presented by U.S. Bank, the evening delivered a seamless blend of entertainment and impact. Guests moved from red carpet moments into a high-energy program featuring music from The Baka Boyz, followed by a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing performance from Shalamar that closed out the night.

The red carpet, hosted by Segun Oduolowu, set the tone as attendees arrived for an evening that balanced luxury with purpose. Inside, the live auction added another layer of excitement, featuring exclusive items and experiences including memorabilia from the Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron James, a Dancing with the Stars experience, a stay at The Peninsula Beverly Hills, and tickets to a highly anticipated matchup between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Francisco Giants.

At the center of the evening was a celebration of individuals and organizations making tangible change. Tina Knowles received the Dream Builder Award, recognized for her ongoing work uplifting communities of color globally. U.S. Bank was honored with the Foundation Builder Award, while Brookfield Residential was named Builder of the Year for its continued commitment to expanding affordable housing opportunities in Los Angeles.

“Habitat LA is making sure that homeownership remains possible for first-time buyers and for families affected by recent wildfires,” said Erin Rank, President and CEO of Habitat LA, highlighting the urgency behind the organization’s work and the growing need for community-driven solutions.

The night also drew a notable crowd including Andy Richter, Adina Porter, former Los Angeles Lakers star Byron Scott and Cece Scott, Jonathan DeCuir, and civil rights attorney Areva Martin.

With its mix of cultural relevance, philanthropy, and community impact, the Builders Ball continues to cement its place as a key moment on Los Angeles’ social calendar, proving that meaningful change and high-profile gatherings can go hand in hand.

Hero Image: Tina Knowles and Erin Rank Credit: Rob Latour / Shutterstock for Habitat for Humanity Greater Los Angeles