SAN ANTONIO – In 1979, the late San Antonio businessman, Raul Jimenez, reached out to the homeless and elderly to make sure that they had a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. He hosted 100 guests at his East Side warehouse, and in doing so began a tradition.
Jimenez’s family, with the help of dozens of corporate sponsors, continued the tradition following his death several years later.
More than 25,000 guests, who otherwise would not have had a Thanksgiving dinner, were treated to a turkey dinner complete with dressing, green beans and the entire menu that has become a part of a Thanksgiving meal.
“This is my 13th year working as a volunteer to feed the homeless and veterans,“ said Carlos Antonio Raymond. “It’s a proud tradition.”
Raymond is among the 4,000 volunteers who make the dinner possible. He was homeless and a guest at the dinner the first time he attended. Now, he works as a volunteer as his way of giving back, he said.
“It’s delicious,“ said April Covarrruvias, one of this year’s guests. “I’m thankful we have this every year. Me and my family look forward to it.”
Her smile was one of thousands on guests who enjoyed a special dinner made possible in a special city.