Pagliacci Helps the Cathedral Kitchen Celebrate 50 Years of Service

Fifty years of service and compassion were joyously celebrated on Saturday, February 22, in the St. James Cathedral Kitchen. More than a dozen volunteers from Pagliacci Pizza, led by Field Manager and longtime Kitchen supporter, Jeff Maneval, served a special meal to nearly 200 guests—past and present supporters who form the heart of this ministry.  

The evening honored not only the many volunteers and donors who give life to the Kitchen, but also the regular guests whose dignity and resilience enliven the community. While guests dined on charcuterie, salad, and Jeff’s signature Spaghetti Bolognese, Father Michael G. Ryan unveiled a new portrait of Dorothy Day, lovingly painted by parishioner Mary Larson. Dorothy Day’s influence on the Kitchen’s founding stretches back to her 1940 visit to Seattle, where she helped establish a local House of Hospitality. Father Ryan recalled how Day’s belief—“We can’t know each other unless we sit down to eat together”—remains vital to the Kitchen’s mission. Citing her quip, “Don’t call me a saint; I don’t want to be dismissed so easily,” he reminded everyone of Dorothy Day’s commitment to a daily, hands-on vision of love and community. Guests also donated quilted vests, blessed by Father Ryan, which will soon be shared with the Kitchen’s regular diners.  

The Cathedral Kitchen, one of many outreach programs at St. James, opens five days a week to provide a hot meal to anyone in need. By 3:30 each weekday, tables in Cathedral Hall are set for up to 150 guests while a line forms outside. At 4:00, the doors open and a multi-course meal is served, adding up to nearly 40,000 meals a year—a feat powered by more than 100 volunteers a week and wide-ranging donations.  

Since 2006, Pagliacci Pizza has offered a monthly meal. When the pandemic increased need, we began donating pizza every week and have continued that practice. Co-owner Matt Galvin, founder Dorene Centioli, and others from Pagliacci often volunteer, and Pagliacci remains the main fiscal sponsor of the Kitchen’s primary fundraiser.