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A Night at Tony’s Diner: Celebrating 75 Years of Service
April 17, 2025
This year, we turned back the clock and turned up the fun at our 2025 Volunteer Appreciation Event, transforming the room into a retro 1950s celebration we called Tony’s Diner — a playful nod to St. Anthony’s namesake and our 75th anniversary. With more than 90 volunteers, individuals, corporate partners and community partners in attendance, it was a night filled with gratitude, dancing and good old-fashioned fun.
The space was alive with vintage charm — checkered tablecloths, poodle skirts, leather jackets and jukebox favorites playing in the background. Sunset 29 BBQ served up a delicious spread of diner favorites, while Bay Area Ice Cream Catering kept everyone cool with old-fashioned milkshakes and root beer floats.
Guiding us through the evening was none other than Heather Holmes, Channel 2 FOX anchor and longtime St. Anthony’s volunteer. With heart, humor and style, she emceed the evening’s festivities — from the recognition of milestones to a spirited round of “The Price Is Right: 1950s Edition,” where teams competed to win raffle tickets by guessing the prices of items from back in the day.
Raffle prizes included gift cards to Out of Sight Pizza, Flour & Water and the Scullery Café, as well as tickets to Cobb’s Comedy Club, the Tenderloin Museum and more.
We also celebrated volunteers who reached major milestones, from five to 30 years of service — a true reflection of the lasting commitment that powers St. Anthony’s every day. Also recognized were first-year volunteers — new faces who are already becoming an essential part of the St. Anthony’s family.
We were proud to honor the following individuals for their years of dedicated service:
Five Years of Service
• Carlos Hwa
• Gregory Haag
10 Years of Service
• Jerico Abanico
• Linda Luevano
20 Years of Service
• Antonio Ortez
• Janice Cantu
25 Years of Service
• Adelina Aramburo
30 Years of Service
• Barbara Hoversen
We honored volunteers across all programs with our Spirit of Fun Awards, recognizing those who bring joy and warmth to their service every single day. This year’s awardees included:
Tenderloin Technology Lab
• Carlos Hwa
• Wiltse Carpenter
Free Clothing Program
• Pat Valente
• Mary Jo Schaeffer
Dining Room
• Rina Friedberg
• Heather Kremer
We also gave special recognition to John Dennis Slack (JD), who was awarded the Presidential Service Award Silver for completing more than 200 hours of community service and for his outstanding leadership at both St. Ignatius and St. Anthony’s. JD’s dedication is a shining example of the impact one person can have when they lead with heart.
It was a night to remember — a chance to honor our past, celebrate the present and look forward to the future as a community fueled by love.
To every volunteer: thank you. For being part of this legacy. For showing up with heart. And for making every day at St. Anthony’s feel like home for so many.
You could be part of the most fun and meaningful community in San Francisco. By volunteering at St. Anthony’s, you’ll join a legacy of service, connection and impact that’s been 75 years in the making. Whether you serve once or every week, you belong here—and we can’t wait to welcome you.
