A Tribute in Purple: Bennett Awards and the LA Forever Gala

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. - May 14, 2025 - PRLog -- Under the stars of Hollywood, the Los Angeles LGBT Center hosted the LA Forever Gala on May 3, 2025. Amid the celebration, reflection, and advocacy, there was a subtle but striking detail present: the custom-designed awards. Created by Bennett Awards for the second year in a row, these symbolic pieces have become a distinctive part of the event's identity — and this year, they came with a fresh twist.

While last year's version of the LA Forever awards shone in a bold pink, this year's awards made an elegant statement in purple. The choice to keep the same design, but shift the color is a brilliant approach — one that retains visual consistency year after year while making each event's honors feel fresh and unique.

Crafted from machined and painted aluminum and resting on a sleek black acrylic base, the award's minimalist construction directs attention to its striking design based on the event's logo. This year's purple iteration not only complemented the spirit of the evening but helped spotlight the achievements of its recipients.

The team at the Center was thrilled with the final result. Their satisfaction wasn't just about aesthetics — the awards have come to represent moments of deep pride, recognition, and community celebration. These were especially poignant as the evening honored two powerhouse advocates: actress and activist Sheryl Lee Ralph, and transgender youth healthcare pioneer Dr. Johanna Olson-Kennedy.

Sheryl Lee Ralph, honored with the Vanguard Award, delivered a stirring speech as she accepted the honor from Iziaih Choquette, a former youth services client of the Center. Her calls for action underscored the urgency of supporting LGBTQ+ communities amid rising adversity and diminishing federal funding. Dr. Olson-Kennedy, who received the Rand Schrader Award, reminded guests of the resilience required in the face of attacks on science and healthcare access.

Beyond the awards and speeches, the LA Forever Gala was a rallying cry. With nearly $1 million raised from the night itself, the Center continues its mission as the world's largest provider of direct services to LGBTQ+ individuals. Offering everything from healthcare to housing, advocacy to education, the Center remains a critical lifeline.

Through events like LA Forever and the meaningful collaboration with Bennett Awards, the Center shows us what's possible when artistry, community, and activism come together — year after year, in pink or in purple.

About Bennett Awards

Bennett Awards is a boutique design studio specializing in high-end, custom recognition pieces for some of the world's most respected brands, institutions, and creative leaders. Each piece is designed in close collaboration with the client and handcrafted by skilled artisans. With a reputation for artistic excellence, Bennett Awards delivers iconic, one-of-a-kind creations that honor achievement at the highest level.

For more information visit
http://www.bennettawards.com