The Out of the Ashes Gala, presented by The Mission Project, delivered a powerful evening of gratitude, resilience, and purpose on Saturday, January 17, welcoming just over 200 guests to a breathtaking multi-million-dollar Malibu home. Celebrities, community leaders, first responders, and philanthropic champions gathered to honor everyday heroes while advancing critical conversations around post-disaster recovery and rebuilding.
The evening began with a red-carpet arrival as guests entered the estate to celebrate those who stepped forward when disaster struck. The atmosphere blended elegance with intention, setting the tone for a night focused on service, sacrifice, and hope.
Guests were greeted by a thoughtfully curated silent auction featuring an impressive collection of celebrity and luxury offerings. Items included music memorabilia from Taylor Swift and Ozzy Osbourne, signed sports memorabilia from Tom Brady and LeBron James, exclusive Los Angeles Kings items, including autographed pucks and game tickets, and a coveted luxury trip to Cortina, reflecting both generosity and glamour in support of ongoing recovery efforts.
An exceptional culinary experience anchored the evening, curated by Robert Duvall, founder of Duvall’s Dishes, who delivered a refined, interactive dining experience with tray-passed bites and chef-driven stations throughout the home. Highlights included a popular hand-roll bar with spicy ahi tuna, snow crab, and crunchy tempura shrimp selections, alongside elevated offerings such as caviar truffle bites, black-and-blue ribeye crostini, French onion tarts, vegan cucumber bites, and Mediterranean-style chicken skewers finished with tzatziki and aged pomegranate glaze.
A striking focal point of the evening was the home’s pool, transformed into a dramatic stage with custom plexiglass flooring. This one-of-a-kind setting hosted the awards ceremony, featured speakers, and live musical performances, including an unforgettable set by Grammy-nominated artist Andy Grammer, whose music brought added emotion and depth to the night.
Erik Rock, founder of The Mission Project, took the stage to outline the organization’s 2026 ballot initiative, focused on reforming post-disaster rebuilding and recovery so families are not left displaced for years after a catastrophe. Emphasizing accountability, streamlined permitting, and faster pathways home, Rock spoke to the urgent need for systems that truly serve people when they are most vulnerable. His remarks were powerfully reinforced by keynote speaker Jenn Drummond, a world-record-holding mountaineer and the first woman to complete the Seven Summits, who encouraged guests to face adversity with courage, intentionality, and resolve, reminding the audience that even the most daunting climbs are conquered one step at a time.
Among the most powerful moments of the evening were the Hero Awards, recognizing individuals whose stories embodied redemption, resilience, and hope rising from tragedy.
Gabriel Aguilar was honored for his remarkable journey of redemption through service. Sentenced to prison at 18, Aguilar chose to change the course of his life while incarcerated and was given the opportunity to serve as a wildland firefighter. During the Pacific Palisades fires, he served for three weeks with a Sacramento-based unit in areas including Topanga Canyon, Malibu, and Brentwood. Now living in Ventura County following his release in November 2025, Aguilar is preparing to begin fire academy training in Camarillo later this year, exemplifying resilience, accountability, and transformation.
The evening paused in heartfelt gratitude to honor Andrew Mott and Tony Vedecia, two active Los Angeles Fire Department firefighters. Among the first on scene during the Malibu fires, both men were recognized for their courage and selflessness on the front lines, including efforts to save the home of entrepreneur Blake Mallen, whose family was in attendance. Mallen shared a heartfelt video message expressing deep appreciation for first responders and was also honored for using his platform to amplify awareness and mobilize support during the Pacific Palisades fires.
Another deeply moving highlight of the evening was the recognition of Grayson Roberts, an 11-year-old blind drummer whose on-stage performance captured the very essence of Out of the Ashes. After losing his home in the fires, Grayson transformed personal tragedy into a mission of hope. Through his nonprofit, Grayson’s View, he has become a lifeline for other special-needs children facing the long road to recovery following disaster.
Also honored for extraordinary service were Chef Robert Duvall and longtime Orange County philanthropist Kristin Martin, who together mobilized more than 25 chefs across Orange County, serving over 20,000 meals across a 10-week period to firefighters, first responders, evacuees, and displaced families during the Los Angeles fires.
Rock also highlighted The Mission Project’s partnership with the Dream Center, with Pastor Matthew Barnett sharing remarks on compassion, service, and faith in action during times of devastation. Barnett, founder of the Los Angeles Dream Center, was recognized for his frontline leadership and rapid-response support for families impacted by the Southern California wildfires, including those connected to the Pacific Palisades area.
Representing the California State Treasurer’s Office, Dr. Kayte Susse attended on behalf of Treasurer Fiona Ma and presented recognition certificates to Branden Williams, Tristan Hamm, and Mauricio Umansky. Williams was recognized for working directly with homeowners impacted by the Pacific Palisades fires, helping families navigate displacement, property loss, insurance challenges, and next steps toward rebuilding. Umansky was honored for using his national platform to share accurate, real-time information during the fires, cutting through misinformation and amplifying the needs of affected communities. Hamm was recognized for using his strength and platform beyond the ring to rescue animals during devastating wildfires, stepping into dangerous conditions to save lives and exemplifying courage, compassion, and respect for nature in times of crisis. Dr. Susse also formally presented recognition certificates to Erik Rock and The Mission Project, acknowledging their continued commitment to rebuilding communities.
The scope of the evening’s impact was underscored by an overwhelming public response, with organizers sharing that more than 500 hero nominations were submitted by the public. While many nominees were unable to attend, several prominent individuals and organizations were formally recognized, including Tony Robbins, Jay Shetty, Grant Cardone, Harvey Levin, Jason Oppenheim, Josh Altman, Spencer Pratt, Mr. Brainwash, Baby2Baby, and the LASD Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station.
As the night concluded, the Out of the Ashes Gala stood as more than a celebration; it was a call to action, reminding all in attendance that when communities unite with compassion, leadership, and purpose, hope truly can rise from the ashes.
Follow The Mission Project at @ourmissionproject and Erik Rock at @realerikrock on Instagram, Threads, and TikTok.
For media inquiries, interviews, or additional information, please contact Kelly Bennett at kelly@bennettunlimitedpr.com.
About The Mission Project
The Mission Project is dedicated to supporting individuals, families, and communities impacted by disaster through immediate relief, long-term recovery, and policy-driven solutions that create lasting change. For more information, visit www.missionprojectmalibu.com.
On the red carpet, we interviewed Kristin Martin (Orange County philanthropist), Chef Robert Duvall (Founder of Duvall’s Dishes), Ryan T. Reichert (Author, Podcaster & Speaker), Lisa Peickert Sander (Inspirational Speaker, Podcaster & Life Coach), Justin Brennan (Multifamily CEO & Founder of Brennan Pohle Capital), Becca Brazil (#1 Charting Techno Pop Artist & Actor), Jonathan Rowe (Global Member of Mission Project), Yvonne Delos (Global Member of Mission Project), Christie Steiger (Mrs Iowa America 2025), Eddah Wanyoike (Mrs. Florida America 2025), Tiffany Paul (Host of the Tiffany Paul Show), Andrew Mott (Firefighter with the Los Angeles City Fire Department), Sascha Haert (Relationship Coach), Tiffany Banks (CEO of Nevada REALTORS®), Kendra Erika (Recording Artist & Bond Girl), Tristan Hamm (Professional Boxer), Randy Stoklos (Retired Beach Volleyball Player), Kevin Sutton (Actor & LA Resident), Madison Brodsky (entertainment journalist), Bruce Cardenas (CCO of QUEST NUTRITION), Erik Rock (Founder of The Mission Project), Stacy Connelly (nonprofit professional), Deisy Suarez-Giles (Co-Author of When the Sky Lost its Color), and Paul Basagotia (Pro Mountain Bike Rider & Star of Emmy Award Winning doc Any One of Us), .