The annual St. Vincent Meals on Wheels fundraiser, featuring gourmet food from acclaimed Los Angeles chefs, brought together supporters at Paramount Pictures. (photo courtesy of SVMOW)

St. Vincent Meals on Wheels hosted the fourth annual “Hollywood Under the Stars” gala fundraiser on June 21 at Paramount Pictures.

Guests, many of whom wore glamorous old Hollywood attire, relished a culinary adventure crafted by nearly a dozen renowned chefs and pâtissiers, showcasing exceptional gourmet flavors. The evening commenced with a sparkling champagne and cocktail VIP hour hosted by the Daughters of Charity Foundation and featuring bites created by VIP Angel Chef Giuseppe Gentile, from Florence Osteria & Piano Bar, and L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele, set against the iconic backdrop of the Paramount Theater. Guests also enjoyed a chef-curated tasting menu from the 2025 Culinary Angels, featuring chefs Mihir Lad (Arth Bar + Kitchen), Nika Shoemaker-Machado (Georgia’s Restaurant), John Sungkamee (Thai Emporium), Armando Quiroz (City Club L.A.), and Noah Clark (BOX Chicken). Desserts were provided by the 2025 Sweet Angels including Saffy’s, Bertha Mae’s Brownie Co., Lark Cake Shop and Marsatta Chocolate. Attendees sipped signature cocktails and danced the night away under the stars to a 10-piece live band, courtesy of the de Bois All Stars.

Nelly Llanos-Kilroy received the St. Vincent Meals on Wheels Crystal Angel of Service Award in recognition of decades of support for the organization. Llanos-Kilroy’s dedication, highlighted in an interview shown during the presentation, exemplifies St. Vincent Meals on Wheels’ spirit of community.

The evening raised crucial funds to sustain St. Vincent Meals on Wheels, the largest privately funded senior nutrition program in the United States. Longtime donor and volunteer Rick Llanos returned as honorary host.

“We were incredibly honored to recognize Nelly Llanos-Kilroy with the Crystal Angel of Service Award. Her lifelong commitment to our mission has made a profound impact on our community,” St. Vincent Meals on Wheels executive director Veronica Dover said. “Donors like Nelly, Rick and the Llanos-Kilroy family exemplify the generosity that keeps our program strong. The support of our restaurant partners, donors, sponsors and event attendees is what enables us to continue delivering not just meals but also love and compassion to those in need. Together, we make a significant impact in the lives of our neighbors who rely on us.”

St. Vincent Meals on Wheels is dedicated to serving people who are homebound and vulnerable across L.A. County, especially during emergencies. As a privately funded organization, support is crucial to ensure the continuation of services. Despite challenges posed by potential federal funding cuts, St. Vincent Meals on Wheels will continue to provide care and compassion to the most vulnerable community members.

For information, visit svmow.org.