Mayor Edwin M. Lee's statement on the passing of Ruth Brinker, founder of San Francisco’s Project Open Hand
Mayor Edwin M. Lee today issued the following statement on the passing of Ruth Brinker, founder of San Francisco’s Project Open Hand, the first meal-delivery service for people with AIDS:
“I am deeply saddened by the passing last night of Ruth Brinker, a truly inspirational woman who provided nourishment to the sick and dying.
A retired grandmother who helped out at a meals-on-wheels program, Ruth realized malnutrition was causing death as much as HIV/AIDS itself. She started Project Open Hand in 1985 and made the first meals in her kitchen. She was there for those who didn’t have anyone to care for them and opened her heart to our City’s most needy. Her family and friends are in our thoughts and prayers today.”
“I am deeply saddened by the passing last night of Ruth Brinker, a truly inspirational woman who provided nourishment to the sick and dying.
A retired grandmother who helped out at a meals-on-wheels program, Ruth realized malnutrition was causing death as much as HIV/AIDS itself. She started Project Open Hand in 1985 and made the first meals in her kitchen. She was there for those who didn’t have anyone to care for them and opened her heart to our City’s most needy. Her family and friends are in our thoughts and prayers today.”