The 25th Anniversary Gatsby Gala

The glitz and glam of Old Hollywood came alive on Saturday night. Over 300 members of the Hollywood Prayer Network community came out dressed to the nines for an absolutely sensational 25th Anniversary Gatsby Gala, hosted within the stunning art deco surroundings of the Cicada Restaurant and Lounge in downtown Los Angeles.

From the dazzling red carpet entrance to the jubilant dance floor, the gala was a fete to remember. But even more impactful than the soiree's sights and sounds were the moments that reminded us why Hollywood Prayer Network's mission is vital: moments of connection, worship, and prayer that have the power to uplift and transform lives -- and which have been radiating out from HPN's ministry for the past twenty-five years.

As we walk back through this fabulous evening, we invite you to prayerfully consider the legacy of Hollywood Prayer Network's first twenty-five years, and how you can be a part of shaping the next twenty-five.

The evening began with a classic Hollywood red-carpet entrance. Every single guest looked like the absolute cat's meow in their formal wear, flapper wear, and all-around dapper wear.

In their marvelous milieu of modern and 20's fashions, guests rubbed elbows as they mingled, posed for photos, and gave red-carpet interviews, all set to the sounds of classic jazz standards performed live on the keys by Saputraya.

The red carpet then beckoned guests onward through the Cicada's iconic art deco doors and into the heart of the celebration.

Once inside, guests enjoyed two floors of art deco elegance. In the upstairs lounge, Sylvia Rodriguez & the Rhythm Boys played jazz standards while guests enjoyed delectable hors d'oeuvres and drinks at the Gatsby reception.

The second-floor lounge also hosted the offerings of HPN's Silent Auction, which included stunning weekend getaways, acting and coaching classes, the iconic WB studio tour, a selection of original classic movie posters, and more!

On the main floor, guests headed to the dance floor for lessons on the Charleston, Tango, and Foxtrot. The main floor also featured the Legacy Gallery, which highlighted the vital pillars of HPN's ministry, including our Community Groups, Global Local Chapters, Events, and Prayer.

Most importantly, amidst the dancing, laughter, noshing, silent-auction-bidding, and reflecting on HPN's legacy, this time of fellowship allowed for times of genuine connection, community-building, and moments of prayer that are the core of HPN's ministry.

During dinner, guests enjoyed the phenomenal main event. Hosted by emcee Ryan Bethea, HPN's program recapped the first twenty-five years of the ministry, and set the stage for the next twenty-five years to come.

Founding Director Karen Covell and her husband Jim Covell reflected together on HPN's early days, with Karen proclaiming, "It was the slowest-growing ministry on the planet!" From humble beginnings, with Karen emailing people one by one asking them to pray for Hollywood, HPN has now grown into a thriving ministry with over 170 local chapters worldwide.

Program Director Kelry Kirschenmann joined Karen onstage to highlight the vital work HPN is currently performing as part of its daily ministry. Over 20 Community Groups gather each month, providing nourishing spaces for community and prayer for believers living and working in Hollywood. The Professional Discipleship Program, launched in 2025, provides and incredible 8-week intensive program of spiritual and professional formation, followed by a 6-month mentorship with a working industry professional. HPN hosts major events throughout the year, which bring the community together for times of prayer, worship, and encouragement that are vital to not just surviving but thriving in L.A.--and these are just a few examples of all that HPN's ministry does in Hollywood and around the globe!

A viewing of the 25th Anniversary Video showcased just how important and impactful the ministry has been to so many.

Hollywood Prayer Network could not have had such impact without vital partners over the years, and we were proud to honor Joan Lindsey and the Lindsey Foundation with an award thanking them for their crucial support over the years.

Karen and Kelry then laid out the vision for the next twenty-five years: to grow and expand HPN's ministry by building capacity, strengthening local chapters, and offering more spaces for the community to gather. Our Vision Deck lays out the strategy for the Future of Hollywood, and provides more detail on the areas of impact we are inviting our community to sow into.

As HPN Board Member Garland Hunt, Jr. invited the the community to a time of prayerful giving, the room was blessed by a musical offering from Tim Kirsch, who shifted the atmosphere and brought the room to its feet in worship with a saxophone rendition of "Goodness of God."

The program was then capped by an electrifying performance from recording artist MAJOR., who brought the house down with a soul-stirring performance of his original song "I Prayed For You."

Feet began to tap as The Jazz Cartel took the stage, bringing the dance floor to life with a rousing set of jazz and big band standards that kept the party hopping all night.

When not having a hotsy-totsy time on the dance floor, guests had the opportunity to visit the Phone Booth upstairs and record a message for HPN, as well as pose in our Photo Booth for a swell souvenir photo strip to take home.

As the night wound down, guests lingered to enjoy the beauty of the space, the atmosphere of joy, and most of all, the dazzling community of people who genuinely love and care for one another. 

Hollywood Prayer Network is thrilled to embark on the next twenty-five years of ministry -- and we can't do it without you.

Our 25th Anniversary Giving Campaign continues through the end of the year, and if you would like to invest in the next chapter of Hollywood Prayer Network, please participate here:

INVEST IN THE FUTURE OF HPN AND HOLLYWOOD

The first 25 years gave us a legacy to celebrate. Now, we look forward to building the future of Hollywood with God through HPN!