Sculpting Meaningful Moments: Bennett Awards x LA Forever Gala
Designing a Legacy: Bennett Awards x LA Forever Gala
This spring, under the glow of the Los Angeles skyline, the Ed Gould Plaza was transformed into a stage for something greater than celebration alone. It became a canvas for legacy. The Los Angeles LGBT Center’s annual LA Forever Gala brought together glamour, grit, and purpose in a single evening, honoring changemakers whose work continues to shape culture and community.
At the heart of the event was a symbol not just of recognition but of resilience: a custom-designed Bennett Award. For the second year in a row, the Center partnered with Bennett Awards to bring their vision of honor to life, elevating the moment with an object worthy of its meaning.
This year’s award continued the design introduced in 2023, inspired by the LA Forever logo. But 2024 introduced a bold update: a deep purple finish that added dimension and distinction to the piece, honoring tradition while making space for evolution. The result? A consistent design language that remains visually fresh year after year, supporting the Center’s brand while creating room for expression.
Crafted from machined and painted aluminum and mounted on a black acrylic base, the piece balances modern elegance with emotional clarity. Its minimal silhouette lets the color speak volumes, becoming a powerful focal point during the gala’s most meaningful moments. As the Center shared, the award didn’t just photograph beautifully — it felt right. It became part of the night’s storytelling.
This year’s recipients were as inspiring as the night itself. Hosted by the iconic Bob The Drag Queen, the evening honored two trailblazers:
Sheryl Lee Ralph, Emmy-winning actress, activist, and lifelong advocate for HIV/AIDS and LGBTQ+ rights, received the Vanguard Award. Presented by Iziaih Choquette, a former youth client of the Center, Ralph’s acceptance and powerful “diva dream defender” declaration reminded every guest what’s at stake in the fight for dignity and belonging.
Dr. Johanna Olson-Kennedy, a national leader in transgender youth healthcare, received the Rand Schrader Award for her tireless advocacy and clinical excellence. Her call for resilience in the face of cultural backlash echoed through the audience with an urgent clarity.
Both honorees were presented with custom Bennett Awards, pieces that didn’t just recognize their impact but reflected it. In these moments, design became more than aesthetic. It became language.
The LA Forever Gala raised nearly $1 million, a vital achievement in a year when the Center faces steep federal funding cuts. And through it all, the design of the evening — down to the awards themselves — helped amplify the Center’s message: that progress is beautiful, powerful, and worth defending.
At Bennett Awards, we believe recognition should tell a story. One rooted in courage, creativity, and culture. We’re honored to continue our partnership with the Los Angeles LGBT Center and to help shape the moments that shape movements.