Tenderloin Neighborhood  Development Corporation Celebrates 32 years of Tossing People in Pools

The Tenderloin Neighborhood  Development Corporation (TNDC) welcomed fans and supporters to the Phoenix Hotel on September 26 for its “only in San Francisco” fundraiser, the annual Pool Toss. The Pool Toss sees its designated “tossees” decked out in their flamboyant finest, only to be unceremoniously dumped in the hotel’s pool in the name of a good cause. 

This year’s VIP tossees included Dan Bernal, UCSF Vice Chancellor for Community and Government Relations and Rebecca Foster, CEO of San Francisco Housing Accelerator Fund. Among the crowd cheering them on were Timothy Wu, Kathy Rock and Honey Mahogany, artist, activist and the night’s emcee. 

This year’s 32nd annual Pool Toss benefits TNDC’s Tenderloin After-School Program. The program was created in 1993 out of the Tenderloin community’s need for a supportive after-school space in the neighborhood. During the week, the program offers educational activities with different themes, such as Cultural Arts and STEAM, tutoring, weekly teen nights and field trips. All activities are designed to foster a supportive environment that encourages kids to thrive inside and outside school, build relationships and self-esteem and learn about other cultures. TNDC leadership is “thrilled” that this year’s Pool Toss met its fundraising goal, meaning that they can continue to provide these essential services to area youth.