San Francisco, October 14, 2025
News Summary
The Tenderloin Neighborhood Development Corporation held its last pool toss fundraiser at the Phoenix Hotel, raising over $300,000 to support its after-school program. This event, a local tradition for over 32 years, featured notable local personalities dunking for charity. Despite the imminent closure of the hotel, TNDC remains committed to finding new venues for future events, aiming to continue supporting youth in the community.
San Francisco – The final Tenderloin Neighborhood Development Corporation (TNDC) pool toss fundraiser took place on Thursday night, concluding a 32-year tradition at the Phoenix Hotel in the Tenderloin. The event successfully raised over $300,000, exceeding its goal to benefit TNDC’s free Tenderloin After-School Program. This fundraiser has provided crucial funding for neighborhood youth since its inception in 1993.
This year, the event featured five notable local personalities, known as “dunkees,” who pledged $15,000 each to participate. Among them was Bay Area Council CEO Jim Wunderman, who has been involved with the fundraiser since the 1990s when he served as deputy mayor of San Francisco. The traditional dunking, which previously involved being tossed into the pool, evolved to a format where participants jumped in voluntarily while performing a skit. Wunderman humorously dressed as a chef, tossing inflatable ingredients before leaping into the water.
TNDC’s CEO Jennifer Dolin characterized the pool toss event as a “joyful San Francisco tradition,” emphasizing its role in unifying the community for over three decades. However, this year’s event was especially poignant as the Phoenix Hotel is scheduled to close on January 1, 2026. While the TNDC is committed to continuing its outreach and after-school programs, plans to find a new venue for future events are still in the works.
Funding Impact
The funds raised from the pool toss will not only support the after-school program but also enhance community services including the installation of a social worker to assist formerly unhoused individuals. This initiative, as explained by Matt Rosen, TNDC’s director of social work, aims to stabilize residents’ housing situations, fostering strong community support systems. The Tenderloin After-School Program, which operates year-round on weekday afternoons at 225 Eddy St., offers learning and play opportunities for youth aged 7 to 18 years.
Community Legacy
Over the past 32 years, the Tenderloin pool toss has seen notable figures, including former San Francisco 49ers star Roger Craig and the late actor Robin Williams, participate as dunkees. Participation in the fundraiser has shifted from being merely a dunk to a performance art, showcasing the personalities’ creativity and commitment to the cause. TNDC’s consistent growth and the event’s success exemplify the organization’s dedication to serving the Tenderloin community.
The closure of the Phoenix Hotel brings a bittersweet conclusion to a cherished annual event. While it marks the end of one tradition, TNDC remains steadfast in its mission to support the youth of the Tenderloin and is optimistic about finding a new venue to continue its fundraising efforts in the future.
Key Facts Summary Chart
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Tenderloin Pool Toss Fundraiser |
| Location | Phoenix Hotel, Tenderloin, San Francisco |
| Year Started | 1993 |
| Amount Raised | Over $300,000 |
| Main Beneficiary | Tenderloin Neighborhood Development Corporation’s After-School Program |
| Ages Served | 7 to 18 years |
| Closing Date of Venue | January 1, 2026 |
FAQ
What is the Tenderloin pool toss fundraiser?
The Tenderloin pool toss fundraiser is an event that raises money for the Tenderloin Neighborhood Development Corporation (TNDC) to support its neighborhood youth after-school program.
How much money was raised during the final event?
The final event raised over $300,000, exceeding its goal.
When did the pool toss fundraiser start?
The fundraiser began in 1993.
What age group does the Tenderloin After-School Program serve?
The Tenderloin After-School Program serves youth aged 7 to 18.
What notable figures have participated in the fundraiser?
Notable figures that have participated include former San Francisco 49ers star Roger Craig and actor Robin Williams.
When will the Phoenix Hotel close?
The Phoenix Hotel is scheduled to close on January 1, 2026.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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USDA Allocates $18 Million for Farm to School Program
U.S. Hotel Market Shows Resilience Amid Economic Challenges
Closure of the Iconic Phoenix Hotel in San Francisco
Phoenix Hotel to Close, Ending an Era for San Francisco
Phoenix Hotel in San Francisco to Close Permanently
Farewell Celebration for Iconic Hotel in San Francisco
Additional Resources
- San Francisco Examiner
- Wikipedia: Tenderloin Neighborhood
- San Francisco Chronicle
- Google Search: Tenderloin Neighborhood Development Corporation
- Travel Market Report
- Encyclopedia Britannica: San Francisco
- SFist
- Google News: Phoenix Hotel closure
- Travel and Tour World
- Google Scholar: Tenderloin After-School Program
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