Constance and Mitchell Sanders were both very committed to San Francisco. Through a bequest to Horizons Foundation, they continue to care for their adopted city even after their deaths. Connie was born in 1902 in North London, England. Her family relocated to Canada, and Connie later moved to the United States. In 1936, she settled in San Francisco, where she owned and operated Connie's Restaurant. Mitch was born in Kentucky in 1897. He served in the Army in France during World War I, then re-enlisted and served in China. En route to China, Mitch first saw and fell in love with San Francisco, where he settled after he left the Army. He made his career with the Southern Pacific Railroad as a freight foreman. After many years together, Connie and Mitch married in 1949.

Connie and Mitch lived very simply and modestly, and were able to amass a significant estate. They didn't have children of their own, but they saw many troubled youth - most of them gay - migrate to the Polk Street neighborhood where they lived for 50 years. To address the needs they saw around them, the couple established the Constance and Mitchell Sanders Fund. Housed at Horizons Foundation, the fund helps provide care, shelter, counseling, and other services to "orphans, runaways, or homeless minors" who come to the Bay Area.

"Mitchell was one of the nicest, most even-tempered, self-reliant, practical, and adaptable persons I have ever met. Connie was a beautiful and vibrant woman," said Charles Marsteller, a friend of the Sanders' and the executor of their estate. "Their relationship was a partnership of equals, and their progressive views kept them young in spirit."

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To learn more about how planned giving can make a critical difference for you, the people you love, and your community, please contact Roger Doughty at 415.398.2333 x102 or rdoughty@horizonsfoundation.org.