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St. Anthony Foundation Hosts the 46th Annual Penny Pitch Event on May 10 in North Beach
PRESS RELEASE
Media Contact:
Sally Haims | Chief Marketing and Communications Officer
(415) 254-5884 | SHaims@stanthonysf.org
The event features a larger new location on the 1600 block of Stockton Street for more teams and fiercer competition to help fund the foundation’s essential, life-changing services
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. (May 7, 2024) – Pitch Pennies for a Purpose! In its 46th year, Penny Pitch is a fun, competitive fundraising event to support St. Anthony’s essential and life-changing services. Founded by famed North Beach restauranteur, Ed Moose, the event raised over $125k last year, totaling more than $1 million for St. Anthony’s since the event’s formation in 1977. A Midwest native and former social worker and sportswriter, Ed Moose was renowned for his warm hospitality, frequently welcoming politicians, newspaper columnists, TV anchors, and professional athletic teams.
For nearly 75 years, St. Anthony Foundation has provided pathways to stability for thousands of San Franciscans in need. With generous supporters like Ed Moose (and his wife Mary Etta, who passed away in December 2023 at the age of 95), St. Anthony’s offers integrated services, uplifting thousands of people experiencing addiction, homelessness, or poverty annually. St. Anthony’s offers one of the broadest portfolios of social services – from the Dining Room, which has served more than 47 million meals, and Free Clothing Program to the Medical Clinic and Technology Computer Lab – nearly all under one roof.
“Penny Pitch has been a San Francisco tradition of doing good while having fun,” said Larry Kwan, MD, CEO of St. Anthony Foundation. “We are excited to offer a new, larger location this year, and look forward to welcoming our very competitive attendees whose support of our mission makes a meaningful difference for those in need.”
WHAT: This year, St. Anthony’s secured a larger new location for the event on the 1600 block of Stockton Street (in front of the San Francisco Italian Athletic Club) for more teams, bigger bragging rights, and loads of competitive fun. Like bocce ball with coins, Penny Pitch is a friendly contest that brings together local business owners, corporate partners, government officials, Franciscan Friars, professional athletes, and San Francisco personalities of all kinds. 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!
Legendary “pitchers” from the past include Metallica, SF Giants Tim Lincecum and Andres Torres, SF 49ers Guy McIntyre, Keena Turner and more.
WHO: This year’s expected attendees include: St. Anthony Foundation team members; community leaders including Supervisor Dean Preston and Supervisor Aaron Peskin; SFFD Deputy Chief of Administration Shayne Kaialoa; SFPD Chief William (Bill) Scott; Mark Farrell, Daniel Lurie, former SFFD Chief Joanne Hayes-White; former SFPD Chief Greg Suhr; members of the SF Giants franchise; other notable dignitaries based on team signups.
WHEN: Friday, May 10, 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 2024 (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.
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- Larry Kwan, MD, CEO, St. Anthony Foundation
- Paul Tonelli, Emcee, Host from 107.7 The Bone
- Civic leaders expected to attend (TBD) include: Supervisor Dean Preston and Supervisor Aaron Peskin; SFFD Deputy Chief of Administration Shayne Kaialoa; SFPD Chief William (Bill) Scott; Mark Farrell, Daniel Lurie, former SFFD Chief Joanne Hayes-White; former SFPD Chief Greg Suhr, and several others
- San Francisco Giants team personnel
Thank you to our generous sponsors – San Francisco Police Officers Association, Novy Restaurant, The O’Shea Foundation, Boston Properties (BXP) Barbagelata Group (BarbCo), DOLBY, Nibbi Brothers General Contractors, Waymo, Gordon Clifford Realty Inc, San Francisco Giants, Recology Tim and Rhanda Dunn, David Ogburn, Maija Muncy, Yola Ozturk, Jason Coloma, Dale Carlson, Meagan Levitan, Corcoran Icon Properties, Hoenigman Family Foundation, Matthew Goudeau, Turner & Townsend, Trillium Asset Management, Delta Dental Ins., PLAYSTUDIOS, BiRite Foodservice Distributors, Gerry and Jim Sangiacomo, Original Joe’s San Francisco, Maureen Sullivan, AT&T, Salesforce, Deloitte, Salesian Boys and Girls Club, and the San Francisco Italian Athletic Club
About St. Anthony Foundation
In the Tenderloin’s struggle with poverty, addiction, and mental illness, St. Anthony Foundation has been a beacon of consistency, companionship, and caring for more than 70 years. We provide our guests with a range of services—from a place to rest or take a shower, clothing, and addiction recovery, to meals, medical care, and workforce development. At St. Anthony’s, we take a different approach, one that delivers meaningful results — Hope. Stability. Renewal.
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