An Evening of Compassion: Celebrating 40 Years of the Daughters of Charity Foundation

There are moments when a room becomes more than a room.

On April 23, the dining room at Hotel Dieu — adjacent to St. Vincent Meals on Wheels — became a gathering place for people from across California connected through the ministries supported by the Daughters of Charity Foundation. Staff, volunteers, longtime supporters, and community members came together to celebrate forty years of service, compassion, and care for those too often overlooked or forgotten.

It was a special honor to host the celebration within the St. Vincent Meals on Wheels and Hotel Dieu community — a reminder that our work is part of something much larger: a beautiful tapestry of service woven together across generations, ministries, and communities.

The evening was filled with conversation, reflection, laughter, and food lovingly prepared by SVMOW Chef Carlos, who created a beautiful buffet especially for the occasion. Sister Joyce Weller and Sister Chris Maggi spoke movingly about the mission that continues to guide the work of the Daughters of Charity.

One thought shared by Sister Joyce stayed with many of us:

“The saving grace of human love and kindness is within us all — and it is the antidote that will save the world.”

At a time when so much of the world can feel divided, uncertain, or overwhelmed, it was powerful to be reminded that simple acts of care still matter deeply. A meal shared. A hand extended. A person remembered.

For more than 390 years, the Daughters of Charity have served those in need with compassion and love, without regard to race, color, or creed. That spirit continues today through ministries focused on food insecurity, healthcare, housing, mental health, recovery, education, and support for vulnerable communities.

At St. Vincent Meals on Wheels, we are deeply grateful to be part of that ongoing mission — preparing and delivering food and love to homebound seniors across Los Angeles County each day because of the generosity and compassion of our community.

And together, we continue to bring hope, dignity, and kindness into a world that still needs all three.