Penny Pitch is Back on May 9th in North Beach

MEDIA ALERT

Media Contact:
Sally Haims | Chief Marketing and Communications Officer
(415) 254-5884 | SHaims@stanthonysf.org

Fundraising event brings in over $100k to fund integrated essential, life-changing services

Join us for a San Francisco tradition with heart. Since its start 47 years ago by famed restauranteur and former social worker and sportswriter Ed Moose of the storied “Washbag” and Moose’s, Penny Pitch has raised more than $1 million for St. Anthony Foundation. Dubbed “the lord of North Beach” by former Mayor Willie Brown, Ed Moose who hailed from the Midwest made patrons feel especially welcome, frequently drawing politicians, newspaper columnists, TV anchors, and athletic teams.  

Thanks to supporters like Ed Moose, for more than 75 years, from our home in the heart of the Tenderloin, St. Anthony’s continues to provide pathways to stability for thousands of San Franciscans annually. Today our integrated whole person care services include a primary medical clinic, a free, year-long men’s residential addiction recovery program, jobs, job training, peer support, warm meals, (The Dining Room has served more than 48 million meals to date), clothing, and more.

“I love the fact that nearly fifty years later, we’re carrying on a tradition that began as a charitable competition just between friends. What’s inspiring is that a community in North Beach decided to support a struggling community in the Tenderloin, and it all started seemingly randomly, with a penny. It gives me faith that larger forces are at work,” said Dr. Larry Kwan, CEO, St. Anthony Foundation.

WHAT: In its 47^th year, Penny Pitch is a fun, yet competitive fundraising event that brings in more than $100k to help fund St. Anthony’s essential and life-changing services for those most in need in San Francisco. Much like the NCAA’s March Madness, Penny Pitch features teams of six competing in a single elimination bracket-style tournament. Back by popular demand, “Last Chance Pitch-In,” where a losing team can earn a spot back in before the finals. The Penny Pitch Champion will earn themselves the coveted Ed Moose Trophy and bragging rights for the year!

WHO: St. Anthony Foundation team members; community leaders; (TBD)Mayor Daniel Lurie; SFPD Chief Bill Scott; San Francisco Supervisors; members of the San Francisco Giants franchise; Franciscan Friars; other notable dignitaries based on team signups.

WHEN: Friday, May 9, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

WHERE: 1600 block of Stockton Street in San Francisco’s iconic North Beach neighborhood (in front of the San Francisco Italian Athletic Club, which is located at 1630 Stockton Street)

WHY: Started in 1977 by legendary restaurateur Ed Moose as a friendly wager between two watering holes, Penny Pitch has become a cherished San Francisco tradition in support of St. Anthony’s mission: to feed, heal, shelter, clothe, lift the spirits of people experiencing homelessness and poverty in San Francisco, and create a society in which all persons flourish.

MEDIA CONTACT: Sally Haims, 415-254-5884

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Learn more about sponsorships or registration at St. Anthony’s Penny Pitch 2025 (pennypitchsf.org).

Photo Ops & Interviews: Photo and interview opportunities are available and can be scheduled prior to the event or on the day of the event.

• Dr. Larry Kwan, MD, CEO, St. Anthony Foundation
• Brian Murphy, Emcee, Host from KNBR’s “Murph and Mac”
• Civic leaders expected to attend, including Mayor Daniel Lurie (TBD), SFPD Chief Bill Scott, San Francisco Supervisors, and several others
• San Francisco Giants franchise

Run of Show

11:00am: Doors and Check-in

12:30pm: Program, National Anthem, Blessing of the lanes, ceremonial first pitch

1:00pm: Games begin

3:00pm: Event concludes

Thank you to our generous sponsors – Waymo, Tim and Rhanda Dunn, Gordon Clifford Properties, Dolby Laboratories, KPMG , San Francisco Giants, Deloitte, Turner Construction Company, Nibbi Brothers General Contractors, Boston Properties (BXP), Megan Levitan @ Corcoran Icon Properties, Dale Carlson, San Francisco Italian Athletic Club, PlayStudios, Trillium Asset Management, Delta Dental Ins., Salesian Boys’ & Girls’ Club, San Francisco Police Officers Association, The Toboni Group, BiRite Foodservice Distributors, Skyline Construction, Boudin, Collabry, March Capital Management David & Sheila Ogburn, Lili Polastri, Vince Hoenigman, Joe Atteridge, Ann Miller, O’Shea Foundation, Original Joe’s, San Francisco Association of Realtors, Momo’s, AT&T, Cobb’s Comedy Club, Recology , Turner & Townsend, Gino and Carlo, San Francisco Fire Fighters Local 798

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 and a place of great love. We offer integrated, accessible safety net, health care, and employment services informed by evidence-based best practices for individuals experiencing homelessness, poverty, or addiction. Our goal is to build trust over time with individuals and to give each person the tools and opportunity to sustainably exit homelessness. We offer a welcoming healing community, a pathway to stability, and a model for broader change.