Inside the Celeb-Filled L.A. House Party that Supported the Los Angeles Mission
Friday nights in Los Angeles are typically the kiss of death for holding an event—unless you’re The A-List founder Ashlee Margolis and can seamlessly gather a bounty of celebs and donors for a house party to support the Los Angeles Mission.
Indeed, after a week of plunging temperatures and storms—Angelenos had to brace for 40-degree chills and more than an inch of rain this last week—everyone managed to pull it together to support the Los Angeles Mission, which aims to break the cycle of homelessness by connecting those in need with services and support. The event was hosted by Regina Hall, and attendees included Ashlee Simpson Ross (wearing St. John tweed) and Even Ross, Jay Ellis and Nina Senicar, Golden Brooks, Jenna Dewan, Vanessa Hudgens, Sanaa Lathan, Logan Browning, Anita Ko, Michael Voltaggio, and CEO of the LA Mission, Troy Vaughn.
“It’s a mix of friends, family, and people I know who have big hearts and care about the right things,” said Margolis. “We didn’t want to do a formal gala—instead, we wanted to do something more intimate and fun so that people could really relax and let loose.”
“Normally, I’m at home on a Friday with my dog binge-watching something, but I wanted to support Ashlee and the LA Mission—plus, my brother [Tendaji Lathan] is DJing, and Regina [Hall] is one of my closest friends,” said Sanaa Lathan, who admitted she just finished watching this season of Succession, and, like the rest of us, was also completely blindsided by the finale.
Echoing her feelings, Jay Ellis shared, “I’m almost always at home on a Friday watching something like The British Bake Off, but Regina and the LA Mission got me out of the house tonight. They do such amazing work in Downtown LA for a population of folks who often get overlooked.”
As the night went on, guests gathered around the fire pit and heat lamps while snacking on bites from some of LA’s favorite hotspots, including Jon Vinny‘s, Tacos 1986, Fly by Jing, and CoolHaus ice cream. Glasses were kept full with Clase Azul reposado, Redemption Whiskey, and Bib Tucker Bourbon.
“It’s great to be out tonight,” said Regina Hall. “Although my body is so shocked by the cold, it doesn’t even know where it is.” Donning a zebra-print dress by Autumn Adeigbo—who was also in attendance—Hall gave an inspirational toast along with Troy Vaughn before guests were encouraged to bid on an array of items, from a wellness day with Malibu Fit Concierge and beauty packages from Shani Darden, Mèche Salon, and Striiike to a trip to the Four Seasons Punta Mita and spear earrings from Anita Ko.
“It’s so cold, I had no idea how to dress tonight and literally changed my outfit three times before I left,” said Lathan, who settled on a black jumpsuit and let her hairstyle steal the show. “My date tonight is my hairstylist, Kim Kimble, who pushed me out of my comfort zone with these butterflies in my braid.”
No one raced home to stream content, and as the night went on, the house party showed no signs of slowing down, with attendees staying warm by dancing outside well into the night. “I love entertaining at my home,” said Margolis. “After a long day of prep and set up, I get to just dance with my friends, and then roll right into bed.”
Phillip Faraone1/6Evan Ross, Ashlee Margolis, and Ashlee Simpson
Phillip Faraone2/6Ashlee Simpson, Evan Ross, and Tracee Ellis Ross
