Nelly Llanos-Kilroy Honored with the Crystal Angel of Service Award at Hollywood Under the Stars Gala at Historic Paramount Pictures Lot on Saturday, June 21, 2025
“Love one another.” — John 13:34
Loving Los Angeles means embracing its diverse mosaic of cultures, ethnicities, and stories shaped by countless immigrants. Every Sunday at the downtown cathedral, this diversity is clearly visible. The pews are filled with people from various backgrounds, each contributing to the vibrant fabric of our city. From the men and women on the altar delivering homilies to those reading scripture and consecrating the Holy Eucharist, we see a strong commitment to unity, spiritual growth, safety, and community.
Since their arrival in 1856, just a few years after Los Angeles became part of the United States in 1848, the Daughters of Charity have been an important part of the city’s community. As a key part of their ministry, St. Vincent Meals on Wheels has prepared and delivered millions of hot meals across Los Angeles County for nearly 50 years. During crises such as the LA fires and the recent upheavals caused by immigration activities that have unsettled our community, we remain dedicated to the belief that everyone deserves access to nourishment—both physical and spiritual. We reassure our homebound clients that we are here now and will continue to be here for them.
In Los Angeles, we are a hyphenated people, where American cuisine is a delicious mix of pizza, fried chicken, tostadas, and sushi. This city has welcomed newcomers since its beginning, and it will continue to do so. Throughout our history, people have arrived from all corners of the world—some willingly, others fleeing hardship—each one contributing to what it means to be an Angeleno and an American. During the recent St. Vincent Meals on Wheels gala, “Hollywood Under the Stars,” held at the historic Paramount Pictures lot, we honored Nelly Llanos-Kilroy with the Crystal Angel of Service Award for nearly 50 years of dedicated service to the organization. Shortly after Nelly and her husband immigrated to the U.S., she began volunteering, embodying the spirit of many immigrants who ask, “What can I do to help?”
This spirit of community and collaboration was beautifully demonstrated at the gala, where chefs from different backgrounds came together to prepare and serve exquisite dishes, generously donating their time, talents, and culinary creations to support our mission of providing food and love to homebound seniors. This event not only celebrated the rich diversity of cultures that define Los Angeles but also highlighted our shared commitment to ensuring that our seniors feel nourished and valued, reinforcing the idea that in this city, we are all connected through food, compassion, and common purpose.
Loving our city means accepting this truth, recognizing that every person who arrives here adds to our shared humanity. We are here to support each other, to nurture, and to build connections that celebrate our differences. Together, we create a community where everyone can thrive, reminding us of the vital call to “love one another”—a guiding principle that emphasizes our commitment to compassion and understanding, which are the most basic needs of all.
