Our mission is to provide a holiday dinner to homeless individuals. Our name, The Friends of Francois, comes from Francois Kissel. Francois was a well-known chef and restaurateur of Brasserie Pittsbourgh who, in 1987 following the examples of others, fed people in Pioneer Square (a bustling, sheltered place that attracted many street people in downtown Seattle). In 1998 his friends incorporated this adventure into The Friends of Francois in order to continue his good effort - serving nutritious, restaurant-quality food to people living on the street.
Our organization is made up of volunteers from all faiths with a common goal - that no one in Seattle goes hungry on major holidays. Our volunteers come from all over - downtown Seattle, Mt. Vernon, Bellevue, Kent and many places in between - to peel potatoes, wash pans, transport food or serve dinner. We use the kitchen of St. Mark's Episcopal Cathedral and have enjoyed the support of many members of their community, as well as support that friends of friends bring.
