Anonymous tech worker funds San Francisco’s quirkiest community events with $40,000

Anonymous tech worker Francisco San has emerged as San Francisco’s unlikely cultural patron, financing quirky community events that foster connection and creativity. The 23-year-old AI engineer has distributed nearly $40,000 over two years to fund unconventional gatherings—from flower-distribution running events to cuddle parties—transforming whimsical ideas into reality for San Franciscans seeking meaningful human connection and unusual experiences.

The big picture: A mysterious benefactor operating under the pseudonym Francisco San is reshaping San Francisco’s cultural landscape by financing offbeat community events that might otherwise never materialize.

• Operating through a simple Google form submission process, the 23-year-old AI engineer has disbursed approximately $39,300 over two years to fund events ranging from scavenger hunts to Beyblade tournaments.
• Individual funding amounts vary dramatically, from modest $50 contributions for quirky robotics projects to several thousand dollars for elaborate community gatherings.

How it works: Francisco San accepts proposals through a Google form, evaluating potential events based on three core criteria: they must be in-person, fun, and located within San Francisco.

• Not all proposals meet her standards, with the benefactor noting that requests for ordinary parties don’t qualify as “cool or compelling” enough to receive funding.
• Successful applicants receive acceptance emails followed by direct financial transfers, often surprising recipients with the sudden influx of resources.

Behind the funding: The pseudonymous patron revealed herself as a Duboce Triangle resident working as an engineer at an AI company who believes in empowering creative community-builders.

• “There are so many SF people that have weird event ideas but have no way to do them,” she explained, highlighting her motivation to give them “agency to do these cool things.”

What happened: Software engineer Joel Reske experienced the benefactor’s generosity firsthand when he received an unexpected $700 Venmo payment to fund his proposed “flower run” in Golden Gate Park.

• The resulting event brought together 30 participants who jogged through the park in race bibs and tutus, distributing flower bouquets to strangers.
• Reske, who regularly hosts free line-dancing lessons from his garage, described participants returning from the run with “big, glowing expressions” after distributing every flower.