The Los Angeles Mission continues to help the homeless and the hungry, but now they're getting more than they could have expected.

On Wednesday, Sept. 12, the mission held a gala celebrating its 20th anniversary at the Four Seasons Hotel in Los Angeles. In attendance was actor Kirk Douglas, who gave an award to his wife for the work she does at the Anne Douglas Center for Women named in her honor.

"Thank you for teaching me that caring is sharing," said the actor to his wife in front of an audience of around 200 supporters of the Skid Row facility.

The 95-year old actor then surprised everyone by making a $5 million donation to the mission.

His wife Ann told the audience that Kirk's generous donation would help her to realize her own "vision of helping the homeless men and women of Los Angeles." Her work for the mission began in the 1980's, when she first visited Skid Row and wanted to develop a new facility specializing in women. The Ann Douglas Center for Women completed construction in February of 1992, which provides services such as food, shelter, and personal counseling for the occupants.

Douglas, famous for his roles in "Spartacus" and "Paths of Glory", went on further to double his pledge to a total of $10 million.

Herb Smith, president of the Los Angeles Mission, stated that the actions of Douglas and his wife would have far-reaching effects.

"This wonderful legacy will make it possible to help individuals create their own legacy," Smith said. "It will open great opportunities to begin to solve one of the more intractable problems facing society. We are beyond grateful for the support the Douglas family has shown the Los Angeles Mission."