Amid the holiday rush, it’s vital to care for those right beside us. While we can debate grand theories on changing the world, we believe true change begins when we personally connect with others’ lives.
This season, Darling dedicated time to uplift and celebrate a group of women embodying extraordinary grace and courage.
Last Thursday evening, we hosted a Darling Dinner at the Downtown Women’s Center (DWC) in Los Angeles. Around 70 women who have moved past homelessness and now reside at the DWC Residencies gathered for a holiday meal served by the Darling team and our extended family.
Whenever we organize a Darling dinner, retreat, or gathering, our top goal is to remind every woman present that life is about more than just getting by or checking off attendance; we come together to create space for celebration.
Our night at the DWC ranked among the most meaningful events we’ve held, as we collaborated with a community that has worked tirelessly to honor and empower women—in every sense—who have struggled for visibility and inclusion in society. Founded in 1978, the Downtown Women’s Center is the only organization dedicated exclusively to women. It began through a friendship between a homeless woman named Rosa and outreach worker Jill Halverson.
The DWC’s mission is “to provide permanent supportive housing and a safe, healthy community fostering dignity, respect, and personal stability, and to advocate ending homelessness for women.” They house women who have experienced chronic homelessness using the Housing First model, with 119 apartments dedicated to this purpose. The model ensures each woman receives individualized support, along with medical and mental health care, education, and job readiness programs.
In short, the DWC does more than offer food and shelter; it enables women to make the changes they need, one step at a time.
Left: Chef Felix Barron | Right: The Darling Team helps prep.
That evening was a moment when many people came together to give what they could, paying tribute to the dedication, courage, and kindness shown by this community. Darling found no shortage of collaborators; as we reached out, we received immediate responses from those donating their time, resources, and talents to make the night memorable. Felix Barron, Chef and Owner of KTCHN LA, joined in, curating and creating the entire menu.
Flower Arrangements by iii designs
La Tavola Linen lent us beautiful table linens and napkins that transformed the room into a festive space. All Darling dinners feature special floral arrangements, and this one was no exception, with stunning designs by Michael Habicht from his cutting-edge event planning company iii Designs. Habicht is skilled at bringing that extra special touch to events and is a talented planner, designer, and artist. Classic Party Rentals, true to their name, provided all the elements for beautiful table settings.
Left: ‘Hope’ ornament by Magnolia | Right: Tableware by Classic Party and linens by La Tavola.
Finally, each woman received a beautiful ornament donated by our friends at Magnolia, spelling out the word “hope.” They personally selected it as a message for the women in Los Angeles, and it truly captured the spirit of the entire evening.
Guests began arriving around 6:15 pm and were warm and friendly as they checked in for dinner. Many had dressed up especially for the occasion, sporting festive Christmas attire and colors. By 6:45 everyone had arrived and started finishing the delicious salads and fresh bread already on the tables.
Once settled, Sarah Dubbeldam addressed everyone, thanking them for spending their time celebrating the season with us. She held a raffle to decide which residents would take the many stunning floral displays up to their rooms. During the main course—piles of delicious roasted chicken, greens, vegetables, and herbed rice—it was delightful to hear women exclaiming to each other not just about the food, but about the room’s decoration and joy. The highlight was a dance party mid-meal, initiated by our own Rebekah Shannon (and the DJ’s choice of classic Whitney Houston hits).
Left: Darling founder & CEO Sarah Dubbeldam welcomes everyone. | Right: DJ Jen
As we wrapped up with chia puddings and guests began to leave for the night, we were struck by the dignity and grace of these women, who touched us with their kind hugs and goodbyes. It was truly an honor for the Darling team to be among them.
December is nearly halfway through, and this season we’ve seen incredible ways that you, our Darling community, have already reached out to those around you. In the past, we’ve highlighted different organizations and methods where money, time, and passion are well invested. This week, the Darling family chose to do exactly that. Should you wish to donate to this incredible group at the DWC, you can do so here.
However you choose to give this holiday season, it is with great joy and pride that we, the team, think of you as our community. This movement began because we wanted to see all women—regardless of race, economic status, or religion—enabled and given access to the possibility of change, growth, and an absolute sense of worth. Your kindness, support, and action toward this common goal are making our dream a reality.
Photos by Valerie Pauley
