SAN FRANCISCO — A San Francisco non-profit for children with disabilities honored the "quiet heroes" that operate wheelchair lifts, greet students with smiles and navigate the city’s streets early each morning at an awards gala this past weekend.

Approximately 250 people, including 14 bus drivers from San Francisco School Bus Drivers Union from UTU1741, joined Support for Families of Children with Disabilities for the organization’s Fall Fund Raiser at the San Francisco Jewish Community Center. The parent-run, San Francisco-based nonprofit helps families of children with disabilities or special needs by giving them the knowledge and assistance to support their child’s health, education and development.

"The commitment of the drivers of UTU1741 to children with special needs has grown into a wonderful alliance with Support for Families over the years," Support for Families Executive Director Juno Duenas said. "We benefit from their time and energy, and we are so very honored by their generosity and their good will."

Earlier this year, bus drivers transferred their driving skills to a slalom in a charity wheelchair slalom race as a part of Support for Families Walk & Roll family event. The drivers also helped set up the non-profit's Information and Resources Conference.

The gala also recognized Kevin Truitt, the former principal of Mission High School and corporate sponsor First Bank.