Each November, San Antonio comes together for one of the city’s most heartwarming traditions — the Raul Jimenez Thanksgiving Dinner. Now in its 46th year, this annual event serves more than 25,000 senior citizens and families in need. Guests enjoy a warm, home-cooked Thanksgiving meal at the Henry B. González Convention Center.
Founded in 1979 by local restaurateur Raul Jimenez Sr., the dinner began with one man’s mission to ensure no one in the community spent Thanksgiving alone or hungry. What began as a small neighborhood gathering has grown into one of the nation’s largest Thanksgiving benefits. Today, it’s powered by more than 4,000 volunteers and generous local sponsors.
A San Antonio Tradition of Service
The event is a true labor of love — and preparation begins long before Thanksgiving Day. Volunteers spend the week leading up to the holiday preparing 9,400 pounds of turkey, 6,250 pounds of stuffing and green beans, 4,688 pounds of yams and cranberry sauce, 650 pounds of gravy, and 3,000 pumpkin pies to serve at the community dinner table.
This year, The Schrader Group once again rolled up their sleeves to help with one of the sweetest parts of the celebration — prepping pies for thousands of guests. From slicing each pie to portioning and sealing them into individual containers, our team joined countless others working behind the scenes to make sure every guest could enjoy a perfect slice of dessert served with care and gratitude.
A Shared Spirit of Gratitude
Volunteering at the Raul Jimenez Thanksgiving Dinner goes far beyond traditional community service. It offers a meaningful opportunity to connect, give back, and embrace the true spirit of Thanksgiving.
“This was my second year volunteering,” said Shauna Harris, our Marketing Coordinator. “It’s incredible to witness the magnitude of what this nonprofit does. Watching our community come together, and getting to be a small part of it, makes my heart so happy.”
At The Schrader Group, giving back is one of our core values. We’re proud to be part of a community that shows up year after year to make this event possible. Whether serving food, decorating tables, or providing support before the big day, each volunteer helps ensure the tradition continues.
Continuing a Legacy of Compassion
Thanks to the vision of Raul Jimenez Sr. — and the continued dedication of his family and countless community members — this annual dinner has become a beacon of generosity and togetherness in San Antonio. It’s a reminder that a shared meal can nourish more than just the body — it can feed the heart of a community.
As we head into the holiday season, we’re reminded how fortunate we are to live and work in a city where compassion and connection thrive. From our team to yours, we wish you a Thanksgiving filled with gratitude, good company, and the joy of giving back.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS SAN ANTONIO TRADITION
Serving our community is one of the most meaningful parts of what we do. From helping families find their next home to giving back, we’re proud to call San Antonio home. With over 43 years experience, we can handle every need you may come across. From selling your home, buying your home, or purchasing a new build, let us be your guide. Contact us today!