Organizers of the Raul Jimenez Thanksgiving Dinner in San Antonio opened volunteer sign-up Wednesday at rauljimenezdinner.com. Registration will stay open until all slots are filled. Volunteers are needed for meal prep, kitchen cleanup, decorating and greeting guests at the event.
This year marks the 47th edition of the dinner, which is funded through donations, corporate sponsors and volunteers. Businessman Raul Jimenez and his wife Maria started the dinner in 1979 for about 100 senior citizens. Patricia Jimenez, their daughter, is the president and CEO and has led the event since 1997.
Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones said organizers expect to serve 29,000 meals at the Convention Center and deliver 4,600 meals to homes this year. Last year, about 29,000 meals were served and delivered in total. The Kim Rapier Foundation, the presenting sponsor, presented a $50,000 donation Wednesday, which Patricia Jimenez called the largest single gift the dinner has received.