Rooted in Love, Renewed in Community: Celebrating 75 Years on Golden Gate 

October 28, 2025

On Saturday, October 4, the Golden Gate Greenway came alive with joy, gratitude, and community as neighbors gathered to celebrate St. Anthony Foundation’s 75th Anniversary. The event brought together Tenderloin residents, families, volunteers, and civic leaders—including Supervisors Bilal Mahmood and Matt Dorsey, SFPD Interim Chief Paul Yep, SFFD Chief Dean Crispen, and Captain Sullivan—for an afternoon of live music, delicious food, and fun. 

From the Blessing of the Animals to raffles, arts and crafts, and the simple joy of neighbors sharing conversation, the celebration embodied the heart of St. Anthony’s mission: to feed, heal, shelter, clothe, and lift the spirits of those in need while creating a society in which all persons flourish. 

The date held special meaning—it was both the Feast of St. Francis, San Francisco’s namesake and the patron saint of animals, and the very day in 1950 when our founder, Fr. Alfred Boeddeker, first opened St. Anthony’s doors to welcome anyone in need. Seventy-five years later, that same Franciscan spirit continues to guide our work. With Fr. Alberto’s joyful Blessing of the Animals, we honored both our roots and our ongoing call to care for all creation. 

This milestone celebration was made possible through the generosity of volunteers, donors, partners, sponsors, board members, and staff — helping carry forward a legacy of love and belonging. 

As we look ahead, the Golden Gate Greenway stands as a living reminder that St. Anthony’s is more than a place of essential services—it’s a community of renewal. What began 75 years ago continues to grow—a living blueprint for hope and renewal in the Tenderloin.