Father Dollar Bill Gives Out Benjamins on Skid Row
Reverend Maurice Chase, aka Father Dollar Bill, was at it again this Thanksgiving, handing out $15,000 in cash yesterday to eagerly awaiting homeless in what has become an annual tradition. Singles, twenties and a few benjamins were handed out to those in need at the Salvation Army Mission at 5th and Sanford in downtown LA. KTLA reports that the money Father Chase donates comes from Mrs. Bob Hope, Mrs. Frank Sinatra, Bob Newhard, Eli Broad, Vin Scully and many others. His stated goal, despite criticism, is simply to make sure skid row residents know they are not invisible.
Father Dollar Bill Hands Out $15,000 in Downtown
Reverend Maurice Chase, best known as Father Dollar Bill, often can be seen throughout the year handing out dollar bills to those in need. And Christmas and Thanksgiving are no different, except a bigger wad of cash. Today he handed out $15,000, mostly in dollar bills in amounts up to $20. The first ten people he saw in wheelchairs received $100 bills. Chase has been criticized for giving money to people who might spend it on drugs or booze, but he says that's not the point. The point is to show them that they are not forgotten, not invisible. "The annual tradition is supported by the widows of Bob Hope and Frank Sinatra, along with comedian Bob Newhart and philanthropist Eli Broad," reported ABC7 who sent cameras to scene in the streets of Downtown LA.

