La Lights Up For The 2025 Colin Matthew $50,000 Hand-Up Awards At The Biltmore

Hollywood Glam Meets Heartfelt Mission at the Biltmore

Yo, LA was the place to be on September 6, 2025, as the City of Angels hosted the second annual Colin Matthew $50,000 Hand-Up Awards and Gala at the legendary Los Angeles Biltmore Hotel. This wasn’t just another Hollywood event - it was a powerful night of purpose, blending SoCal star power with a deep commitment to adults and children with special needs. The red carpet was buzzing with city bigwigs and heavy-hitters like Keith David, Marla Gibbs, Garrett Morris, and Richard Lawson, all honored for their legendary contributions to TV and film.

Hosted by the Be Inspirational Foundation and the Saint Vinson Eugene Allen Foundation, alongside 2024 honoree actor Ernest Harden Jr., the event was a sold-out smash. Founders Dr. Vinson Eugene Allen and Dr. Connie Yu turned up the charm, sharing moving stories and cracking jokes that had the packed crowd hanging on every word. The night also saw shout-outs from local power players like Mayor Karen Bass’s office, Councilwoman Bridget Lewis, and State Treasurer Fiona Ma, proving this gala had serious clout in the 213.

Star Power and Emotional Highlights

The vibe was electric as Club Nouveau took the stage, getting everyone - celebs included - to hit the dance floor with pure SoCal summer energy. Comedian Dannon Green kept the laughs rolling as MC, while Ernest Harden Jr. dropped a heartfelt speech about the need for community love and support for families with special needs. A super cute reunion with his old The Jeffersons co-star Marla Gibbs had the crowd grinning ear to ear, bringing some classic Hollywood nostalgia to the night.

"Seeing this community come together in such a big way reminds us why LA is the heart of inspiration - we lift each other up, no matter the struggle," said Dr. Vinson Eugene Allen during the event.

One of the night’s biggest moments came from the Allen kids themselves. Eleven-year-old Colin Matthew Allen, the award’s namesake, stole the show with an unplanned, straight-from-the-heart speech that had everyone in awe. His little sis, 8-year-old Aliani, brought the cuteness with her bubbly charm, while 13-year-old Vinson Eugene Allen Jr. delivered a mature, inspiring talk about his parents’ work - marking him as a young leader to watch in Tinseltown.

A Wave of Love and Big Dreams for the Future

This year’s theme, "The Silent Wave of Love," wasn’t just a catchy phrase - it was a call to action. The Be Inspirational Foundation announced they’re funneling a huge chunk of the night’s proceeds into their "Making Dreams Come True" initiative, aiming to send 1,000 kids with special needs to Disneyland in 2026. Talk about a magical way to spread some LA love!

The gala also shone a light on families and caregivers, giving them the props they deserve for their daily grind. It was a reminder of why events like this matter - they’re not just glitz and glam, but a real chance to make a difference, right here in our backyard from DTLA to the Valley.

Decades of Dedication from Dr. Allen and Dr. Yu

For over 20 years, Dr. Vinson Eugene Allen and Dr. Connie Yu have been straight-up heroes for underserved communities across Cali and beyond. From providing food and clothing to free medical care, their hustle is unmatched. Dr. Allen’s even a pioneer in healthcare, founding Dusk to Dawn Urgent Care - the first African-American-owned urgent care chain in the nation - plus the critical CoronaVirus Test Los Angeles program.

Their work is the backbone of this event, and their passion lit up the Biltmore that night. Want to get in on the action? Hit up beinspirational.org to donate and keep the wave of love rolling through the Golden State.

Join the Movement

The 2025 Colin Matthew $50,000 Hand-Up Awards wasn’t just a party - it was a celebration of what makes LA special: heart, hustle, and a whole lotta love. Whether you’re chilling in Santa Monica or repping East LA, this event showed how we come together for the greater good.

So, let’s keep the momentum going. Follow the cause on socials at @DrAllenLa, check out their YouTube channels like Conversations With Dr. Allen, and stay tuned for more ways to support. This is LA at its finest, fam - let’s make those dreams come true, one kid at a time.