Angels Nest to honor Antwone Fisher at Beverly Hills benefit for foster youth

Angels Nest will hold its third annual brunch benefit Nov. 15 at the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills to honor Antwone Fisher and raise money for young adults aging out of foster care in Southern California. The event is nearly sold out and will also feature Eden Alpert, live jazz, a silent auction and fundraising for housing and support services.

Why it matters: - Angels Nest’s largest annual fundraiser supports young adults leaving foster care in Southern California. - The organization aims to close gaps in housing, education and employment for youth who age out of foster care without a dependable support network. - Proceeds help fund resources, housing and community support that can affect long-term stability and opportunity.

What happened: - Angels Nest will host its 3rd Annual Angels Nest Brunch Benefit on Sunday, Nov. 15, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills. - The organization will honor author and screenwriter Antwone Fisher with the 2026 Angels Nest Inspire Award. - The benefit will bring together advocates, philanthropists and community supporters in Beverly Hills.

The details: - Antwone Fisher’s recognition centers on adults with lived experience in foster care. - Fisher’s life story through foster care, homelessness and Navy service inspired his memoir, Finding Fish, and the film Antwone Fisher, which Fisher wrote and Denzel Washington directed. - Eden Alpert, co-owner of Vibrato Grill Jazz and a 2025 Angels Nest Inspire Award recipient, will return as guest speaker. - Alpert experienced foster care before being adopted by musician Herb Alpert and Sharon Lubin. - Paul L. Freese, Jr. will receive the 2026 Angels Nest Leadership Award. - Angels Nest is recognizing Freese for more than three decades of advocacy for foster youth and people experiencing homelessness. - Freese’s work includes Angels Nest TLP and efforts to connect organizations serving vulnerable youth. - Guests will hear live jazz from saxophonist Rickey Woodard, who played with the Ray Charles band and performs with Dave Ross’s The Jazz Salone. - Vocalist Afina, featured on The Voice, will also perform. - The event includes an elegant brunch, a silent auction and networking opportunities. - Event sponsors include Lathrop GPM, Katten, That’s it., Resolution Economics, Quest Settlements, Beaudry and Coldwell Banker Realty. - Remaining tickets and event information are available through Eventbrite. - The Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills is located at 9850 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills, CA 90210. - Supporters who cannot attend can still donate or sponsor the event.

Between the lines: - Angels Nest is framing the brunch as both a celebration and a call for year-round support. - Executive Director Arzo Yusuf said the growing turnout reflects stronger community backing, but the need remains after the event ends. - The honor roll links the group’s fundraising push to people with direct foster care experience and long-term advocacy.

What's next: - Angels Nest will use the benefit to raise funds for services that support youth transitioning out of foster care. - The organization is encouraging continued giving, sponsorships and resource connections beyond the brunch. - Event attendance is close to capacity, so remaining tickets may be limited.