SAN ANTONIO — Thousands of families enjoyed a massive feast of food and entertainment during the 45th annual Raul Jimenez Thanksgiving Dinner.
The decades-long San Antonio tradition involved an army of volunteers systematically serving warm meals for 25,000 people within the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center.
Derrich Rodriguez began volunteering when he was a junior in high school back in 1993. Now it’s a family affair.
“There’s a lot of people here this year and so it just worked out that all the volunteers were here and we were all busy today,” Rodriguez said. “And ever since then, probably in the last 30 years or so I’ve come for the majority of those and we try to make it every year and I involve my kids now as well. It was a great way to give thanks and share our blessings with others.”
The historic celebration featured live music, photo booths and a mountain of food, including dessert.
Ryan Pflipsen didn’t have any family in town this year so he decided to check out the Alamo City’s most cherished Thanksgiving event, which he’s been to once before.
“Having a disability myself, cooking’s not always the easiest thing to do for one. This is just a great atmosphere to come down to. Having some turkey and stuffing and some great sides, it’s always good.”
Stan Lopez and his wife Dolores Gutierrez are veterans of attending the Raul Jimenez Thanksgiving Dinner. For Lopez, it’s the camaraderie that keeps him coming back year after year.
“We love San Antonio,” Lopez said. “To enjoy ourselves and meet new people and have a great time.”
