On a warm June evening, beneath a canopy of stars and cinema’s golden ghosts, Hollywood shimmered with a purpose. The fourth annual “Hollywood Under the Stars” gala benefiting St. Vincent Meals on Wheels, held Saturday, June 21, on the iconic Paramount Pictures lot, transformed into a soirée where glam met goodwill—and the result was downright cinematic. From the moment guests strolled past the Paramount gates (Old Hollywood glamor in full swing—think satin gowns, dapper tuxes, and enough vintage flair to make Norma Desmond swoon), it was clear this wasn’t just another charity gala. This was an affair.

A culinary promenade of flavor curated by the 2025 Culinary Angels delighted guests who indulged in dishes by some of LA’s most buzzworthy chefs, including Mihir Lad (Arth Bar + Kitchen), Nika Shoemaker-Machado (Georgia’s Restaurant), John Sungkamee (Thai Emporium), Armando Quiroz (City Club LA), and Noah Clark (BOX Chicken). For those with a sweet tooth? heavenly desserts came courtesy of Saffy’s, Lark Cake Shop, Bertha Mae’s Brownie Co., and Marsatta Chocolate.

And darling, what’s a party without a little music and mischief? With signature cocktails in hand, attendees danced well into the night to a 10-piece live band, the de Bois All Stars, whose brass-heavy energy had even the skeptics swaying. At the heart of the glamour, however, was a deeper glow: the presentation of the Crystal Angel of Service Award to the luminous Nelly Llanos-Kilroy, whose decades-long devotion to St. Vincent Meals on Wheels has fed more than just stomachs. As her touching interview played, there wasn’t a dry eye—or idle paddle—in sight.

Silent auctions offered luxe escapes and LA-only experiences (Disney passes, Rams tickets, posh resort stays), while SVMOW’s Colleen Fischer revved up the room with a paddle raise that drew in crucial funds to support America’s largest privately funded senior nutrition program. Returning as Honorary Host, philanthropist and longtime volunteer Rick Llanos brought his signature warmth to the event, further amplifying the evening’s impact. And Executive Director Veronica Dover summed it up best: “We’re not just delivering meals—we’re delivering love and dignity.”

With federal funding threats looming and the number of food-insecure seniors rising fast, every plate, paddle, and partner matters more than ever. But if this star-studded night proved anything, it’s that Los Angeles knows how to show up for its own—with style, with heart, and with purpose.

— G. Dhalla

For more information, visit https://www.svmow.org/hollywood/