SAN ANTONIO – The Raul Jimenez Thanksgiving Dinner, a San Antonio tradition for 46 years, is preparing to serve a larger crowd this Thanksgiving due to increased need and recent budget cuts.
Each year, the nonprofit feeds about 25,000 seniors and people in need at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, with more than 4,000 meals delivered to homebound seniors.
This year, the organization plans to serve 29,000 meals, including up to 4,500 home-delivered meals, responding to a surge in requests amid economic challenges and the potential impact of a government shutdown.
“With the way things are now — loss of wages, increase in food costs — I think it is time for us to prepare for more guests,” said CEO and President Patricia Jimenez.
The Thanksgiving Day event, founded in 1979 by San Antonio restaurant owner Raul Jimenez, was created to provide a hot, nutritious meal to seniors and less fortunate individuals who might otherwise be alone during the holidays.
On Thursday, Nov. 27, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., the dinner will be held at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, inviting the community to share a meal, enjoy live music, and celebrate together.
KSAT Community Phone Bank:
To meet rising costs and demand, the nonprofit is seeking community support. KSAT Community will host a live televised phone bank on Monday, Nov. 17, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., with all donations directly benefiting the Raul Jimenez Thanksgiving Dinner’s mission to feed those in need.
San Antonians are encouraged to contribute and help ensure no one goes hungry this holiday season.
Give help:
-
Text “GIVE” to 866-379-0285
-
Call the KSAT Community Phone Bank hotline on Nov. 17 to donate or get your questions answered
Request help:
Read also:
The Raul Jimenez Thanksgiving Dinner started in 1979, when restaurant owner and businessman, Raul Jimenez, recognized the need in his community and established a Thanksgiving Day event to serve the less fortunate. The dinner serves approximately 25,000 people. More than 4,000 volunteers help make the event possible on an annual basis. Kym Rapier Foundation is the presenting sponsor of the 2025 Dinner. The Raul Jimenez Thanksgiving Dinner is a San Antonio tradition that brings the whole community together. To learn more and donate, visit www.rauljimenezdinner.com. Connect with the Dinner on Facebook and Instagram.
KSAT Community operates in partnership with University Health and Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union. Click here to read about other KSAT Community efforts.
Copyright 2025 by KSAT – All rights reserved.