By Eliza Daniek
(Photo Credit: Christine Berke)
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 11/04/2025
There are nights in Los Angeles that remind you why this city, beyond all its glamour, still has a heartbeat, and Sunday evening at the Four Seasons Beverly Hills was one of them.
In a Perfect World (IAPW), the Los Angeles-based nonprofit founded by philanthropist Manuela Testolini, marked its 20-year anniversary with a powerful and heartfelt gala on Sunday evening at the Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills. The milestone celebration honored Academy Award-winning actor Samuel L. Jackson and Tony-nominated director and producer LaTanya Richardson Jackson with the prestigious Quincy Jones Humanitarian Award, recognizing their lifelong commitment to philanthropy, education, the arts, and social justice.
The gala emceed by Emmy-nominated actress, comedian, producer Kym Whitley and chaired by Honorary Chairs Cookie & Earvin “Magic” Johnson brought together leaders from business, sports, entertainment, and global philanthropy to celebrate IAPW’s two decades of empowering youth through creative learning, leadership development, and global education. The evening highlighted the organization’s continued mission to inspire and equip the next generation of changemakers.
Hosted by In a Perfect World (IAPW), the 20th Anniversary Gala was more than a celebration, it was a moment of gratitude, reflection, and hope. Founded by Manuela Testolini, the organization has spent the last two decades building schools, nurturing creativity, and empowering children across the globe.
Guests enjoyed a red carpet reception followed by an intimate dinner program that included emotional tributes, youth voices, and a look back at IAPW’s international footprint, including schools built across eight countries and its expanding youth empowerment programs in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C.
This year, Samuel L. Jackson and LaTanya Richardson Jackson were honored with the Quincy Jones Humanitarian Award, a recognition that felt both deeply deserved and profoundly emotional. Their presence radiated grace and humility. As they spoke about giving back, there was no sense of grandiosity, only sincerity. You could feel the room collectively inspired, reminded that kindness and purpose still matter in a world that often forgets.
The gala carried an undeniable warmth, a kind of quiet beauty that went beyond the sparkle of evening gowns and camera flashes. It was in the laughter during the dinner, in the small glances between old friends, and in the heartfelt stories of the children whose lives have been changed by IAPW.
The evening’s honorary chairs, Cookie and Earvin “Magic” Johnson, perfectly embodied the spirit of giving that defines this foundation. Their words about community and empowerment echoed the theme of the night: we rise by lifting others.
Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed special musical performances and tributes by Kenny Lattimore, Eric Benet’, Judith Hill and Emily Bear, inspiring testimonials, and special appearances by Smokey Robinson, Tina Knowles, Debra Lee, Holly Robinson Peete and other celebrity supporters and philanthropic leaders.
One of the most touching moments came when Manuela Testolini spoke about the next chapter, the upcoming Global Changemaker Academy and the construction of a new school in Central America. Her message was simple yet powerful: when we invest in children, we invest in the world’s future.
Walking out of the ballroom, I felt a rare sense of peace, that beautiful awareness that purpose still exists behind the spotlight, and that change is possible when compassion leads the way.
Proceeds from the event will directly support IAPW’s global education initiatives and youth development programs.
About In a Perfect World
In a Perfect World (IAPW) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded in 2005 with a mission to empower the next generation of global changemakers. Through access to education, youth leadership programming, and creative learning initiatives, IAPW has impacted thousands of young people across eight countries, including the U.S., Guatemala, Haiti, Nepal, Malawi, and Senegal. Learn more at www.iapw.org. Follow @perfectworldfdn
