SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — A beloved Bay Area nonprofit is celebrating a huge milestone this weekend. The St. Anthony Foundation in San Francisco has been helping and feeding those in need for 75 years.
“You know in life, we have the ups and downs, and I had my ups and downs,” said Anna Gutierrez.
Gutierrez is thankful for the St. Anthony Foundation, a lifeline in her time of need.
“When I was on my worst ‘down,’ they were there for me with food, clothes, computer guidance, medical — I needed everything because I was lost,” Gutierrez said.
Gutierrez said she’s been found. Neighbors like her said thanks by attending a big block party, celebrating the nonprofit’s 75th anniversary on Golden Gate Avenue.
TAKE ACTION: Here are a lists of Bay Area resources for people in need
“This is a home and a beacon for the entire neighborhood and the gateway to the Tenderloin,” said San Francisco Supervisor Bilal Mahmood.
St. Anthony’s was founded by Franciscan Friar Father Alfred Boeddeker, who believed everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.
“We care for everyone as if hospitality is sacred that we are inviting them to a table,” said St. Anthony Foundation CEO Dr. Larry Kwan.
Hot meals served daily in St. Anthony’s dining room are truly legendary, nonstop since 1950.
“We started in 1950, with 400 meals on the first day. We are now at 2,000 meals per day for a cumulative amount of 48 Million since we started in 1950,” Kwan said.
John Caroompas has been volunteering in the dining room for about 15 years.
“Makes me feel great to see someone getting a meal, and they have something instead of nothing,” Caroompas said.
“I have breakfast here, and lunch here. They help me out in different ways,” said Duffy Graham from San Francisco.
Today, St. Anthony’s reach goes far beyond serving up hot meals, they offer medical care, a drug and alcohol recovery program, clothes and housing assistance. All founded 75 years ago on the feast of St. Francis of Assisi.
“His belief was that everything made by God deserves care,” Kwan said.
“I’m blessed because of St. Anthony’s,” Graham said.
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