Pennies, Purpose and Community: Penny Pitch Returns to Benefit St. Anthony Foundation

MEDIA ADVISORY – FOR PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY

60+ teams, hundreds of supporters and 48 years of community spirit bring San Francisco’s most beloved penny-pitching tradition back to North Beach

SAN FRANCISCO, May 8, 2026 — A little bit of change makes a big difference. For nearly 50 years, San Franciscans have gathered annually in North Beach to pitch pennies in support of St. Anthony Foundation. This year, more than 60 teams and hundreds of supporters will once again fill the street, competing penny by penny to raise funds for critical services supporting the city’s most vulnerable residents.

Part neighborhood tradition, part spirited, fun competition, Penny Pitch transforms a city block into a lively tournament where coworkers, community leaders, and neighbors come together for a shared cause.

Founded in 1977 by restaurateur Ed Moose as a friendly wager among North Beach establishments, the event has grown into a citywide institution rooted in community and generosity.

For more than 75 years, St. Anthony Foundation has served the Tenderloin and surrounding neighborhoods, providing meals, health care, clothing, and support services at no cost. That work is sustained not only by dedicated staff but also by more than 6,000 volunteers annually, who contribute over 55,000 hours of service and help reach more than 15,000 individuals each year. Penny Pitch extends that spirit of service across San Francisco — one toss at a time.

“Penny Pitch is one of my favorite days of the year,” said Dr. Larry Kwan, MD, CEO of St. Anthony Foundation. “When hundreds of people come together in North Beach, it’s a powerful reminder that San Francisco knows how to show up for its neighbors. The need in the Tenderloin continues to grow, and this event shows what even small contributions can accomplish when a community comes together.”

This year’s tournament features more than 60 teams competing in a bracket-style, single-elimination format, with a “Last Chance Pitch-In” round offering eliminated teams one final opportunity to advance. Civic leaders, corporate teams, neighborhood groups, and longtime participants will all take part in a high-energy day of competition and community.

Event Details

WHAT: 48th Annual Penny Pitch benefiting St. Anthony Foundation
Bracket-style, single-elimination tournament featuring 60+ teams “Last Chance Pitch-In” round prior to finals

Awards include:

• Ed Moose Trophy (1st Place)
• 2nd Place
• Best Team Name
• Best Team Costume
• Best Team Spirit

WHEN: Friday, May 8, 2026
11:00 a.m. — Check-in and doors open
12:30 p.m. — National Anthem, Blessing of the Lanes, Ceremonial first pitch, Capt. Matt Sullivan, San Francisco Police Department, and Chief Dean Crispin, SF Fire Department
1:00 p.m. — Competition begins
3:30 p.m. — Awards ceremony

WHERE: 1600 block of Stockton Street, North Beach, San Francisco
(In front of the San Francisco Italian Athletic Club, 1630 Stockton St.)

WHO: 60+ competing teams representing businesses, community organizations, and civic groups
Capt. Matt Sullivan, San Francisco Police Department
Chief Dean Crispin, San Francisco Fire Department
Dr. Larry Kwan, MD, CEO, St. Anthony Foundation
St. Anthony Foundation staff and guests, community members, and spectators
Emcees: Kerry Crowley and Brian Murphy, KNBR’s “Murph and Mac”

WHY:  For more than 75 years, St. Anthony Foundation has provided free, essential services to those in need. Funds raised through Penny Pitch help support:

• Nearly 840,000 meals annually
• 16,000 medical clinic visits
• More than 271,000 clothing items distributed
• Services reaching over 15,000 individuals each year

Behind these numbers are more than 6,000 volunteers contributing 55,000 hours annually, a testament to what collective community action can achieve.

Photo and Interview Opportunities

• Street-level competition: 60+ teams on the 1600 block of Stockton Street, crowds cheering, pennies flying — visuals available throughout the day
• B-roll window: 11 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. — team warm-ups, crowd gathering as competition begins
• Ceremonial first pitch at 12:30 p.m. — strong visual moment with community and civic leaders
• Dr. Larry Kwan, MD, CEO, St. Anthony Foundation — available for interviews before and after the program

More information and team registration: pennypitchsf.org

About St. Anthony Foundation
Located in the heart of the Tenderloin for more than 75 years, St. Anthony Foundation is one of the largest, primarily privately funded whole-person care providers in San Francisco. It offers integrated, accessible safety-net, health care and employment services informed by evidence-based best practices for individuals experiencing homelessness, poverty or addiction. More information is available at stanthonysf.org. 

Media Contacts:
Kevin Herglotz, HPA Strategies| (415) 963-2601 | kherglotz@hpastrategies.com
Veronica Surrette-Fahey, St. Anthony Foundation | (617) 913-1324 | vsurrette-fahey@stanthonysf.org