A Night of Renewal: St. Anthony’s Leading the Way Gala Shines at City Hall

November 11, 2025

More than 400 guests, 30 sponsors, and $488,215 raised for essential services.  

Under the dome of San Francisco City Hall—lit in St. Anthony’s signature teal— our community came together on Friday, November 7 to celebrate 75 years of service, renewal, and love in action. The Leading the Way Gala, a joyful, 1950s-themed evening, honored the people and partnerships who continue to shape a compassionate and thriving San Francisco. What began in 1950 as a humble dining room founded by Fr. Alfred Boeddeker, OFM has grown into a vibrant community hub that now walks alongside more than 10,000 neighbors each year, offering food, clothing, medical care, addiction recovery, job training, and connection. This year’s gala reflected that same spirit of belonging, bringing together donors, volunteers, staff, friars, civic partners, and guests whose shared belief in dignity and care has sustained St. Anthony’s for generations. 

Amid the glow of the rotunda, guests shared stories, laughter, and gratitude for the many hands that carry St. Anthony’s mission forward, a mission rooted in what Dr. Larry Kwan described as “our Franciscan way of caring for the whole person: presence over judgment, dignity and respect for everyone. For 75 years, it has guided us in the Dining Room line, in recovery at Father Alfred Center, in the Tech Lab, the Hygiene Hub, the Free Clothing Program, love operationalized.” 

From moving testimonials to moments of dance and delight, the evening was a reminder that compassion is what binds a city together — and that renewal begins when neighbors come together in trust. Honoree David Chavez, sharing his compelling journey of recovery in the Father Alfred Center, put it plainly: “Thank you to everyone who continues to believe in people like me. You didn’t just give me a second chance — you gave me purpose, belonging, and the reminder that miracles do happen when we walk together in community.” 

After the program, St. Anthony’s Young Professionals Council hosted a lively afterparty in the City Hall Rotunda, featuring live music, cocktails and mocktails, and a raffle to benefit St. Anthony’s. The energy of the night carried forward the same joy and generosity that have defined the Foundation for 75 years. 

Together, we raised more than $488,000 to ensure every neighbor who walks through our doors is met with dignity and care. 

As Dr. Larry Kwan, CEO shared in his remarks, each of us has a role to play: 

Show Up – Volunteer. Serve a meal. Bring your team. The experience will change you. 
Share – Tell one person about St. Anthony’s and how, they too, can make a difference for San Franciscans in need.
Sustain – Donate. Help keep our care steady, not seasonal. 

Rooted in the Tenderloin since 1950, St. Anthony Foundation remains San Francisco’s most trusted place of love and belonging—a community where neighbors, guests, and partners come together to turn compassion into action and create a living model for renewal.