This past July 16th, Corazon de Vida held it's annual summer benefit "La Noche Blanca 2015" at the Santiago Canyon Estate and it was a raging success!
Over 170 guests attended, the venue was breathtaking, the food was delicious, the live music was perfect and the silent auction was filled with amazing items, vacation stays and experiences. Everyone was dressed in white and looking impeccable!
We had six past orphanage residents that are attending college representing all the students currently supported through our continuing education program: Flor, Grecia, Angelica, Natalia, Ceci and Antonio. The students shared with guests their stories and how they are on their way to obtaining a degree and making their dreams come true.
The enchantment of the event’s setting was only upstaged by the warmth of all the beautiful guests, coming together with the common goal of supporting the children. With your participation, we were able to raise $85,000 in donations and pledges. These funds will go a long way in providing the children at all the Corazon de Vida family of orphanages with security, nutrition, shelter and access to a reliable education.
We would like to send a very special acknowledgement to our evening sponsors Apogee Electronics and Dastmalchi, Inc, for their support, and to Jonathon’s Coastal Living for the beautiful décor that made the event look spectacular!
This event was only possible thanks to our Host Committee who worked for many months organizing the event and to our amazing and devoted team of staff and volunteers, many of them who help us continuously year after year to make our events possible!
"A child without education, is like a bird without wings" - Tibetan Proverb
Last week was a very important week for the CDV family and for our education program. We were lucky to witness the culmination of one of our student’s Medical School journey and held our annual “Career Day’ at the local university where we had the opportunity to inspire a group of more than 70 teens from five of our supported orphanages that will soon enter college or technical school.
It’s hard to believe how fast time went by. It seems like yesterday when five years ago, a very outgoing and well spoken teen girl stood out of the crowd at one of the first Career Day events, and went straight to the University’s Vice-Chancellor and CDV representatives, asking for support to enter Medical School.
Alin grew up in Estado 29 orphanage and from a very young age, she had a clear dream about her future, she always knew she wanted to be a doctor, although she did not know if her dream would ever become a reality. Alin’s drive and determination was very inspiring for all of us since day one. Corazon de Vida provided the support she needed to make her dream a reality, however, the work, effort and determination was all hers! Alin overcame many obstacles to continue studying, including an unplanned pregnancy. Once again, Alin’s determination proved her unstoppable. She asked her professors for help with a plan for completing all required classes and work through her pregnancy. She was determined to complete her schooling and she did, with some of the highest scores in her class! In an emotional testimonial at Career Day, Alin shared with our prospective students how her desire to not let Corazon de Vida and her sponsors down, she knew her only option was to work harder and not give up!
Seeing her walk to receive her diploma was a very inspiring moment for all. Alin will complete a one-year residency in the state of Colima, and then a year of service in a yet to be determined location.
During Career Day, future generations of university students were able to experience what life in a university campus is like and about some of the careers available to them.
We are grateful to the University of Baja California (UABC) Ensenada Campus and the Science Department for organizing a very informative and interactive event, with a group of science students that traveled all the way from the Mexicali campus and brought interactive Biology, Physics, International Trade and Engineering exhibits to the teens.
Thank you to all the sponsors that believe in and support our mission. We continue changing lives together by investing in the future of our kids, who will generate a positive social and economic impact as future leaders of their communities!
