Actor Martin Sheen received inaugural Vincent’s Heart Award, which was presented by Sister Chris Maggi, left, and Veronica Dover, executive director and CEO of St. Vincent Meals on Wheels. (photo courtesy of St. Vincent Meals on Wheels)

St. Vincent Meals on Wheels, the largest privately funded senior nutrition program in the United States, held its second annual “Hollywood Under the Stars” fundraiser on June 24 on the Paramount Studios lot.

The event got underway with the Veuve Clicquot VIP reception sponsored by longtime SVMOW volunteers and supporters Nancy Babka and Carla Garrett. Their generosity and compassion help fulfill the SVMOW mission to serve the poor and frail in Los Angeles.

The event paid tribute to actor Martin Sheen, who received the Vincent’s Heart Award presented by Sister Chris Maggi, of Daughters of Charity, the order that established St. Vincent Meals on Wheels over 45 years ago. Sheen is a longtime supporter of St. Vincent Meals on Wheels, along with other philanthropic organizations such as the St. Joseph Center, the St. Francis Center and the Malibu Labor Exchange. The Vincent’s Heart Award is named for the order’s founder, St. Vincent de Paul. It was presented in recognition of Sheen’s “standing in solidarity with those who have been forgotten and discounted.”

Sheen urged the crowd of more than 400 guests to, “look into their hearts and find something worth fighting for, to unite the will of the spirit with the work of the flesh. In that action, you will find your authentic self.”

New this year was the designation of Host Angel Chef Isaias Peña, Caruso regional executive chef of Hank’s and Qué Padre in Palisades Village, who served as the event’s culinary ambassador and sponsor.

For information, visit svmow.org.