Over 300 supporters raised $250,000 earlier this month during the celebration of the 25th anniversary of Chrysalis, a nonprofit organization that helps homeless individuals gain self-sufficiency through employment. The participants in the event gathered at the Fairmont Miramar not only to raise money for the organization through a live and silent auction, but also to honor John Dillon, who founded Chrysalis on Skid Row in 1984 at the age of 22.
Other notable honorees during the event included Roy Williams, who received the John Dillon Award for taking large steps in his own self-sufficiency. A former Chrysalis client, Williams worked his way out of drug addiction and a history of felony charges to eventually become a property manager, a certified pastor and a motivational speaker.