The Raul Jimenez Thanksgiving Dinner is committing to serving 4,000 additional meals this November due to the growing number of unhoused seniors.
“It’s a unique situation, so we’re still keeping our fundraising efforts open and no donation is too small,” said Patricia Jimenez, the nonprofit’s president and CEO and descendant of founder Raul Jimenez, who organized the first dinner in 1979.
“But we are confident that we will have everything we need to meet that need,” she said at a press conference on Tuesday.
The annual feast served 25,000 people at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center last year. It took more than 4,000 volunteers to prepare 9,400 pounds of turkey and around 22,500 pounds of sides, as well as 25,000 dinner rolls and 3,000 pumpkin pies.
Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones said that homeless shelters are seeing an increase in seniors experiencing homelessness.
“I asked [Haven for Hope] to show me the difference between somebody they served today and somebody five years ago, and they said they’re older today,” Jones said. “I think we see, unfortunately, too many of our seniors that are in great need that we’re likely to see on Thanksgiving.”
Volunteers can register now to prepare food, decorate the space, or deliver meals around the city. Jones urges those interested to sign up quickly as slots are usually filled soon after they open.
“We need everyone and we thank our volunteers. I monitor the emails that are coming in and our volunteers are very eager to sign up,” said Jimenez.
Jones thanked Jimenez and her team for their commitment to serving 29,000 meals this year.
“Did you even go to high school in San Antonio if you didn’t spend at least one Thanksgiving volunteering at the Jimenez dinner?” Jones said, emphasizing the importance of the Thanksgiving feast. “When you think about how an organization treats the most vulnerable, they are, in fact, showing you their character.”
The Raul Jimenez Thanksgiving Dinner initially accepted a $50,000 donation from the Kym Rapier Foundation at the press conference. But before they accepted the check, Kym Rapier made an announcement.
“Food is my love language, so I’m going to pledge an additional $50,000,” she said.
Jimenez said that the donation will make the extra 4,000 meals possible and should provide a cushion if needed.
“The peace of mind that comes with knowing that we can make sure that nobody that walks through that door is forgotten is extra special, and I’m so grateful,” Jimenez said.
In recent years, the foundation has created the “Kym’s Kidz Korner” and resource tables at the annual dinner. The foundation supports various other organizations and community efforts such as the Thrivewell Cancer Foundation and the Rey Feo Scholarship Foundation.
Doors to the event at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center will open at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 27, with an all-faith worship service at 10 a.m. and food service and live performances from local musicians running from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Those unable to attend the dinner can register for a homebound Thanksgiving meal delivery by calling 211.
“Thanksgiving can be a really lonely time for people that are struggling financially or experience homelessness, and for seniors who are away from their families,” Jones said. “This Feast of the Heart offers more than just a warm meal — they’ll receive a community of grace and a sense of belonging.”
