For more than twenty years, Toni Ritzenberg was a steadfast supporter of Food & Friends—making generous contributions, attending events, and spreading awareness about our mission. A lifelong public servant and advocate, Toni found her calling in the chambers of Capitol Hill, the halls of the Smithsonian, presidential campaigns, and through championing local community organizations. Toni passed away in 2017 and earlier this year we were humbled to receive a $50,000 gift from Toni’s estate—her final act of generosity in a life dedicated to impact.
Born in Philadelphia and raised partly in Los Angeles, Toni spent most of her adult life in Washington, DC, where she became known for her intelligence, warmth, and humor. She was a passionate supporter of the arts and also a vocal advocate and skilled political activist on behalf of coal miners, children, and education.
Toni was introduced to Food & Friends through her close friend Dr. Jeffrey Kraskin, a longtime champion of our work and founder of the beloved An Evening of Food & Friends at Crate & Barrel event. She went on to co-host and sponsor several of these events, drawn in by the inclusive spirit and essential mission of the organization. Over the next 24 years, Toni remained deeply involved, driven by her belief in the power of nutritious meals and education to improve the lives of people living with serious illness.
We are honored to celebrate Toni’s life, her enduring impact, and the generous legacy gift made to Food & Friends. Her friendship and support will continue to nourish our mission for years to come.
If you are interested in learning how you can make a future impact by including Food & Friends in your estate plans, please contact Marilyn Turner, Director of Development, Individual Philanthropy, at (202) 269-6849 or mturner@foodandfriends.org. More information can also be found on our website.