SAN ANTONIO – A San Antonio Thanksgiving tradition nearly five decades in the making is gearing up to feed thousands of people, and organizers are calling on the community to help make it happen.
Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones joined the Jimenez family and community sponsors Tuesday morning at the Henry B. González Convention Center to kick off preparations for the 47th annual Raul Jimenez Thanksgiving Dinner.
The mayor announced that online volunteer registration opens at 1 p.m. today and will remain open until all volunteer positions are filled.
In the same way that you waited anxiously to sign up for those Bad Bunny concert tickets, make sure you sign up. Get set that alarm for 1 p.m.,” Jones said, encouraging residents to bring their families and friends to volunteer.
The annual dinner began in 1979 when Raul and Maria Jimenez welcomed about 100 people to share a Thanksgiving meal. Today, the event has grown into one of San Antonio’s largest holiday traditions, providing thousands of free meals to people who might otherwise spend the holiday alone or without a Thanksgiving dinner.
“This started a simple idea that nobody should be alone, and nobody should go without a warm Thanksgiving meal,” Jones said.
Organizers are preparing to serve tens of thousands of people this Thanksgiving, including approximately 4,600 homebound residents who will receive meals delivered directly to their doors.
Patricia Jimenez, daughter of the late Raul Jimenez, said her father’s mission was about much more than putting food on a table.
“His idea of also showing love was to do something to serve a warm meal on a plate to anyone who needs a place to belong,” Jimenez said. “He called it his feast of the heart.”
“What began as one family’s tradition is now a San Antonio tradition, going strong for 47 years,” she added.
Jimenez said months of preparation go into the dinner, with volunteers, sponsors and community partners working behind the scenes to make sure no one is forgotten.
She also emphasized the growing need for assistance, particularly among older residents and people with disabilities who cannot leave their homes.
“We’ve received a tremendous amount of calls already. There’s a tremendous amount of food insecurity, and there’s also a lot of concern about having meals delivered to homes for those that are disabled,” Jimenez said.
The mayor acknowledged that rising food costs and financial hardships continue to affect families across San Antonio.
“I think we expect to see many, many more families again this Thanksgiving showing up to the convention center, and thankfully they will have an opportunity to enjoy a good Thanksgiving meal,” Jones said.
For residents who cannot attend in person, **homebound meal delivery registration is available by calling 211**.
VIA Metropolitan Transit will also provide free transportation to and from the Thanksgiving dinner for people who need a ride.
Tuesday’s kickoff included another major announcement: a $50,000 contribution from the Kim Ripeer Foundation, which is returning as the event’s presenting sponsor.
Yolanda Valenzuela, the foundation’s executive director, said the dinner represents something much greater than a holiday meal.
“This dinner represents something much greater than a Thanksgiving meal. It represents dignity, it represents belonging, and it represents a community that refuses to forget those who may be experiencing hardship, loneliness, or even difficult circumstances during the holiday,” Valenzuela said.
She also stressed the importance of volunteers, recalling how quickly registration filled last year.
“You better start dialing at 1 p.m. This is no joke. And thank you for what you do, volunteers,” Valenzuela said.
Patricia Jimenez said the foundation’s financial support has allowed the event to expand its meal delivery program and add activities for children.
“In the history of the Raul Jimenez Thanksgiving dinner, this is the largest gift we’ve ever received, and it has really enabled us to feed more people,” Jimenez said.
For those unable to volunteer, donations are another way to help. A community phone bank supporting the dinner is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 9, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
As the celebration approaches its 50th anniversary, Jones said the tradition reflects the generosity and compassion that define San Antonio.
“Raul and Maria Jimenez started this dinner because they cared for their neighbors. A very simple concept,” Jones said.
The 47th annual Raul Jimenez Thanksgiving Dinner will take place Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26, at the Henry B. González Convention Center.
CLICK HERE for volunteer information.