Honoring Those Who Help Families in Crisis

The university honored the fund for providing more than $105 million in assistance to families on the edge of homelessness since its founding in 1986. As the foundation-arm of the San Francisco Chronicle, the fund collaborates with 120 regional nonprofits and organizations and assists more than 4,500 individuals a year. It also donates more than $1 million to Bay Area food banks annually.

“The fund’s work is truly an example of neighbors helping neighbors,” said USF President Paul J. Fitzgerald, S.J., when presenting the prize. “The Chronicle Season of Sharing Fund exemplifies the same values that we here at USF uphold — the passion for service in pursuit of justice that we teach our students.”

More than any other newspaper charity

“It is a huge privilege to accept the California Prize on behalf of the Chronicle Season of Sharing Fund. We are very honored and humbled by this award,” Jeffrey Johnson, fund president and Chronicle publisher, told more than 250 gala attendees — including San Francisco Giants General Manager Stephen Revetria ’92, Fire Department Chief Joanne Hayes-White, and Supervisor Eric Mar.

This year the fund raised $7.5 million, more than any other newspaper charity fund in the nation, Johnson told the audience.

The award comes with a handcrafted medal and $10,000 to support the fund’s work. Proceeds from the gala dinner benefit the USF Leo T. McCarthy Center for Public Service and the Common Good’s community engagement and public service programs.

The California Prize is awarded annually to an organization or individual that models selfless service and shines a light on people and organizations pursuing the common good. It was created and endowed by the generosity of Susan and Philip Marineau. 

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