Joy and Gene D’Ovidio Receive AARP’s Highest Volunteer Award

Joy and Gene D’Ovidio from San Francisco are the recipients of the 2024 AARP Andrus Award for Community Service in California. This is AARP’s most prestigious volunteer award that recognizes a community-minded person age 50-plus who exemplifies the motto of AARP’s founder, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, “to serve, not to be served.” The award is given annually honor outstanding volunteer service.

The D’Ovidios, founders of A Meal With Dignity received the award on Wednesday, January 15. Joy D’Ovidio is a specialty food pioneer and advocate for social justice, who has devoted 20 years to creating innovative solutions that ensure nutritious meals are accessible to those in need. Gene D’Ovidio, a multi-talented Board-level strategic planner, complements Joy’s mission by bringing his expertise in organizational leadership to expand the program’s impact. Together, they have transformed their vision into a movement, inspiring others to rethink how homelessness and hunger are approached in urban areas. Their impact extends beyond San Francisco, with initiatives and partnerships in places such as Japan, Rome, and communities across the United States.

In the words of their award nominator, “Joy and Gene are some of the most generous, loving and selfless people I know. Their hearts are pure, and they truly want to make a difference when and while they can. I admire their life-long commitment to making this world a better place.”

The D’Ovidios received a $1,000 donation from AARP to a Meal With Dignity. Their inspirational work is an important reminder for us to give back to our community as we enter the new year. To learn more about the D’Ovidios and their work, visit https://amealwithdignity.org/