News

Valentine's Day Love Spotlight - Matt & Alexis Posted on 14 Feb 12:35 , 0 comments

Hi, our names are Matt and Alexis and this is our Corazon de Vida love story! Matt has been involved with Corazon de Vida for 9 years. He was inspired by the movie Nacho Libre. After watching the movie he knew he wanted to work with children in an orphanage in Mexico. This began his research and he found CDV. I’ve been involved for 6 years, I was inspired by a prior mission trip to Africa to do more work closer to home. We met on a bus trip in October 2017. We were both there with our kids and were mostly interacting with the children at the home.

Alexis: Matt’s big personality stood out to me the most, especially with the kids. He’s like a celebrity to the kids! But when he spoke with me that day, he was so sweet and sincere. And of course, he’s cute. Matt: I noticed how natural and caring Alexis was with the children. I didn’t think anything romantic at the time but definitely acknowledged her beauty and kindness. We talked briefly at the home and connected on social media a few months later when Corazon da Vida posted about people who had raised a certain amount and our names were on there.  Matt sent me a friend request and we hit it off right away.

 

As a couple, we have traveled all over. We love road trips, hiking around national parks; seeking waterfalls and incredible views. Cities with museums and great food. Exploring different countries and their unique cultures. We also love concerts and live sporting events. 

We are happy to announce we are getting married in September! Matt proposed at the church near Oaxaca where Nacho Libre was filmed, so we came full circle!

CDV: Congratulations to the happy couple! Matt & Alexis also enjoy visiting the children as often as they can and they are part of our Heart Angel’s community as monthly donors. For their wedding, they have generously decided to fundraise for Corazon de Vida in lieu of gifts! Their love has created a space for giving that truly warms our hearts!

Click here to join our Heart Angel community. 

Click here to view our upcoming Bus Trips

Send us a message at info@corazondevida.org if you are interested in fundraising on your wedding day.


WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Alberto - Making An Impact Posted on 1 Feb 16:09 , 0 comments

Hi, my name is Alberto, this is my story. When I was 11 years old, my two siblings and I arrived at an orphanage due to domestic abuse. While living at Puerta de Fe, I met Corazon de Vida. They would come to us with groups of people who wanted nothing more than to spend time with us. I got to talk to them about the dreams I had of one day getting ahead in life. That made a big impact on me, I felt that someone cared about my future. 

I remember my time in the orphanage with great affection because I learned many things that have been very useful to me to this day. I spent my days helping and playing with the little ones, I was always fond of them. I really enjoyed assisting them with their homework and advising them on topics they didn't understand. I liked motivating them to continue studying. That is what inspired me to decide on a career in education. So, I studied for a Bachelor of Science in Education and I am currently studying for a Master's Degree in Education. Corazon de Vida was always there for me during my college years. I had some setbacks but they never doubted me and continued to support me.

Now, I am an honest person with values, who likes to support others. I have a wife and a daughter that I love with all my heart. Without CDV’s help, I probably wouldn't be where I am right now. I work at CUT University, Ensenada Campus as a coordinator, and a writing and reading teacher.  


To all the donors, thank you very much! It really is a blessing to know there are people helping children who have been suffering since they were very young. Thanks to your donations, you can fulfill the dream of a child who perhaps thinks they have no more opportunities. It is with your help that you uplift that child and allow them to become a good person, breaking a cycle that is sadly repeated in some cases without such help.


WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Fernando - Building A Brighter Future Posted on 30 Sep 10:18 , 0 comments

My name is Fernando Ibarra, I am 29 years old, I am a civil engineer. This is my story. I first arrived at an orphanage as a newborn and a few months later my mother picked me up. Eventually, my mom was unable to care for my needs, so I ended up at an orphanage again at three years old. I remained there throughout my childhood and adolescence.


I remember the small dorm rooms at my orphanage would sleep two or three on one bed when it was at its peak capacity of 120 kids. It was then that Corazon de Vida came along and began a project to build a new boys dorm for us. Since the project became expensive, the orphanage directors asked us older boys to help out with the construction labor. It sparked an interest in me, so, I continued to get involved in every construction project at the orphanage. This is exactly how I came to choose Civil Engineering as my area of study.


The support of Corazon de Vida means pretty much everything to me. If I could describe the foundation in one word, it would be FAMILY. They have watched me grow from the time I was eight or nine years old. I would sincerely like to thank the people who donate. The truth is, you contribute so much. Thanks to you, I have a university degree in Civil Engineering! With my work, I am able to support myself and my mother too. I am doing well, I feel happy and fulfilled. You should know, your help changed my life and I know it will do the same for others.


Corazon de Vida: We are so proud of Fernando’s accomplishments! He is currently employed at an engineering firm in Tijuana, working on several build-projects in Valle de Guadalupe and managing a crew of 20+ construction workers! If you ever wonder whether your donations make a difference, think of the life-changing difference it made in Fernando’s life!


CORAZON DE VIDA :: Keeping Hope Alive With La Noche Blanca, Havana Nights! Posted on 12 Aug 15:54 , 0 comments

That time of year came and went as we danced the night away at La Noche Blanca, this time with a ‘Havana Nights’ twist! On Saturday, Summer time in Southern California was enveloped in dry heat that welcomed a change of pace. The warm breezes carried by Santiago Canyon made it easy to image a Cuban Summer where beautiful street food abounds and the distant sound of music coming from your local bodega can be heard from your neighborhood. The stage was set and the gala was about to begin!


A great number of people cascaded down the hill to the reception area, dressed in lively,  summery-white attire. Red roses and straw hats lay waiting for guests to don them for a photo-op at the step-and-repeat banner. The silent auction was not far from reach as guests bid on their phones throughout the cocktail hour! Refreshing mojitos by SelvaRey ensured the nod to old Havana, and tasting stations by Casamigos Tequila, Firme Mezcal, Cocijo, and Tequila Dame Mas were a welcomed poolside treat. Authentic hand-rolled Cuban cigars were a surprising touch that rounded out the evening's theme. Taco Rosa/ Taco Mesa not only fed our guests spectacular appetizers, but Chef Ivan Calderon’s generous sponsorship made sure to feed volunteers and staff! We are so fortunate to have his continued support in our mission after all these years.


As the silent auction drew to a close, our guests were ushered to a string-lit patio where Harumi’s gorgeous floral designs were hard to miss. Dinner was being served, and the bold sounds of salsa band, Mamboson, filled the atmosphere. It wasn’t long before WE Dance Academy graced us with bachata and salsa dance numbers as sponsored by Daniel Sandoval. The entire vibe of the evening was on point! Our dear Masters of Ceremonies Araceli Torres and auctioneer Rick Werner along with the Werner Family Auction Team took to the stage to host the live auction bidding. Our enthusiastic bidders made sure proceeds were secured for our kids in Baja! The live ask got us to that finish line as Hilda Pacheco-Taylor, our Founder, said a few words that reminded us of why we do what we do. 


We are tremendously over-joyed that so many are joining us in support, and equally over-joyed  to announce that together we raised $223,000 for the children! We have continued gratitude for event host Alex Dastmalchi, we adore your heart, and for Parisa and Chuck Horning for opening their home to allow for this magic to take place. Added gratitude to our event sponsors Hosa Technology and Grupo Paliska for helping bring that magic to life. To our table sponsors, our silent auction sponsors, to those who were bidding or donating from home, our dedicated volunteers and all of the aforementioned, we thank you to no end. 


At the heart of all of these efforts is the impact everyone’s contributions makes in the lives of the orphaned and abandoned children we serve. Your collective generosity makes hope possible. We sincerely wish to see you again next year and we welcome any newcomers that want to be change makers as well! We’ll be salsa dancing until the next La Noche Blanca!"


CORAZON DE VIDA :: WHERE ARE THEY NOW? CLARISSA, BEAUTY FROM THE INSIDE OUT Posted on 3 May 11:50 , 0 comments

Hi! My name is Clarissa and this is my story. When I was 5 years old, my three siblings and I were placed in the orphanage system. Years later when I was close to turning 13, Corazon de Vida came to the orphanage I was living in, had lunch with us and took us out to the beach. Little did I know that from that point on they would become my biggest support and motivation in life.



When I turned 17 the orphanage where I was living was forced to shut down. I then had to become a mother for my two younger siblings and we had no where to go and no one to call. School was no longer an option for me as I needed to work in order to cover rent and all the other expenses to provide my siblings the stability they needed. I was full of responsibilities, overwhelmed and frustrated. I was too young to understand how to deal with the pressure of being an adult and no role model to follow.




I had lost contact with CDV until one day they found me on social media. They offered to help me any way possible. I was very interested in beauty and cosmetics so they offered to pay for a 3-year Cosmetology program. I had enough on my plate as I was supporting my family and I knew that committing to complete this certification was going to require a lot of effort, but I was certain I didn't want to work at the local convenience store for the rest of my life. I wanted to create something of my own and I wanted to succeed at it. I owed that to myself.




When I got my certification as a Cosmetologist I began working as a makeup artist and applying acrylic nails in a beauty salon and spa. Not only was I doing what I loved but I felt motivated to expand my knowledge. I decided to get an additional certification in skincare and massages. The gates to success were wide open and opportunities started coming my way! People were reaching out to me for massages and facials and I started having a regular stream of customers.

A few years later, Corazon de Vida and a close friend motivated me to open up a spa of my own. I was so scared of failure but eager to grow as much as possible. At the end of the day if you don't risk anything you risk everything, right? I partnered up with my friend and we opened up our spa in Ensenada. We offer massages, acrylic nails, eyelashes, facials, pedicures, and manicures for both female and male clientele. I'm my own boss now and a business owner! I also get called from other beauty salons when they need my help. I have become so good at what I love doing that my previous employers still call me!




I want to thank each one of the donors who make the work of Corazon de Vida possible. There is no doubt that the donations you make are being well used. The sky is the limit and you have given us the wings to reach it!!



CORAZON DE VIDA :: HAPPY 60th BIRTHDAY AND HAPPY 12th ANNIVERSARY DAN! Posted on 22 Apr 09:36 , 0 comments

If you have ever been on a “Wine Weekend Trip” to Baja, or volunteered for a “English Class for the Corazon de Vida Teens”, or attended one of our yearly “Graduation Parties”, or our “Christmas Concert in Tijuana for the Children”, or any of our other fun events with our students in Baja, you have probably met Corazon de Vida’s star volunteer: Daniel (Dan) Smith.


Dan started to look at places where he and his daughter Danielle could volunteer together in the San Diego/Baja area while she attended college in San Diego. He reached out to Corazon de Vida in December of 2009, and after visiting one of the orphanages with Danielle, he decided he wanted to do more to help Corazon de Vida.

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In 2010, he wanted to take a sabbatical from his law firm to dedicate one year to Corazon de Vida as a pro-bono Executive Director. That plan did not pan out because he was not able to completely walk away from his assignments, however, that worked out better for Corazon de Vida and the children because he has been a member of the Corazon de Vida team ever since!

THIS MONTH, WE CELEBRATE DAN SMITH’S 60TH BIRTHDAY AND HIS 12TH ANNIVERSARY OF SERVING THE CHILDREN OF BAJA!


Dan has been an integral part of the Corazon de Vida team, playing a key role in supporting our Continuing Education program. He has become a mentor and father figure for many of our teens, and has been an advisor to the CDV team, sharing in his experience and wisdom to help move Corazon de Vida’s initiatives forward.


Dan, THANK YOU for your time, love, support and for your selfless dedication to improving the lives of our children in Baja. We are beyond blessed to have you as part of the Corazon de Vida Team!

HAPPY 60th BIRTHDAY AND HAPPY 12th ANNIVERSARY DAN!






CORAZON DE VIDA :: WHERE ARE THEY NOW? MAGALY, TEACHING FROM THE HEART Posted on 25 Mar 09:16 , 0 comments

Hello! My name is Magaly and I would like to share my story with you. When I was 12 years old, my mother had to work the night shift and this made our daily routine very difficult. I was absent from school many times because I had to care for my siblings who needed to be fed and taken to school. The school that we were attending at the time had a church and also an orphanage within the same parcel of land. I decided to talk to the orphanage director to ask for the opportunity to live there while I was attending school.


When I finished high school, I knew that my next step would be to become a teacher like I always dreamed of. I researched my options and decided to apply for Baja's public university, UABC. The public university did not offer an Education/Teaching major and I was advised to look into a private university instead. I felt crushed with the news thinking that my dream was now unreachable because I didn’t have the money to pay for the tuition. It was then when Corazon de Vida offered to cover 50% of my expenses so I could apply to the university of my choice. I was speechless! I knew this was my one and only opportunity to become a teacher.


Halfway into university, I had to leave the orphanage and move in with my father. There were more expenses to pay and things were getting tough. My grades were going down and every payment towards school seemed impossible to make but Corazon de Vida did not allow me to give up. They decided to cover my school expenses in full and I happily graduated with a degree in Educational Technology in 2017.


Right after graduating I began working at a Corazon de Vida supported school called San Juan Bosco and one year later I completed my master's degree. I currently work at a private school as an Elementary School teacher and at an institute teaching Middle School and High School. In my free time I work from home giving private lessons to those who fall behind in school and I also help young children around my block to learn how to read and write. I am very proud to also be giving back by collaborating with Corazon de Vida in a workshop that I helped develop to prepare other students like me for university. I don't have many hobbies other than teaching but I do enjoy painting, playing guitar, and most importantly spending time with my son.

Teaching is my reason to be, my passion, and on behalf of myself and each child benefiting from your donations I want to say THANK YOU for the opportunity of reaching out for our dreams!


CORAZON DE VIDA :: WHERE ARE THEY NOW? FLOR, A LIFE CHANGED BY THE LOVE OF ANIMALS Posted on 8 Feb 11:00 , 0 comments

I arrived at an orphanage for the first time when I was 8-years-old because I had a dysfunctional family. My mom couldn't take care of my brothers and me because she was sick and died of cancer years later. I lived with my grandmother and uncles where I was abused by everyone until the neighbors reported it to the authorities. I grew up separated from my brothers as we were placed in different orphanages.

Since I was a little girl I always wanted to be a veterinarian because when I suffered abuse from my family, I would find refuge in animals. They took care of me when I had to sleep alone in the streets... so I promised myself that one day when I grew up, I would take care of them like they took care of me.


At the age of 16, I escaped from one of the many orphanages I was in but was soon picked up by the authorities and placed at yet another orphanage, El Faro. It was there where I decided that I would stop escaping and that I would finish my studies to get ahead in life.

It was then when I met Corazón de Vida through George, who told me that they could help me to continue my education and that if I had good grades, they could help me fulfill my dream of completing a degree.


As promised, they supported me with my university studies and with everything I needed during those years. They continue to check on me even after I graduated and started working. To this date, they are still a very important presence in my life, they are like part of my family.


Currently, I am working as a veterinarian at Xel-Há- an incredible park in Tulum that houses several marine and exotic species. I take care of many animals and I am very happy. I will be forever grateful for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that Corazon de Vida gave me, for supporting me to achieve my dream and get ahead in life.


Above all, I am grateful for all of you who wholeheartedly support this beautiful organization. All the generous donors that without expecting anything in return give us your love and support. Thank you for helping hundreds of children in need break the odds and achieve their dreams. Without your support, none of this would’ve been possible. Thank you!!!

CORAZON DE VIDA :: A YEAR-END MESSAGE FROM OUR FOUNDER Posted on 20 Dec 11:30 , 0 comments

Dear Corazon de Vida Angel,

If the last couple of years have taught us anything, it’s certainly the importance of community. We realize that we are beyond blessed to have you as part of Corazon de Vida’s community of support. Your generous giving has continued to provide life-saving support for the children of Baja.

During the second half of this year, the orphanages opened up for limited visits so we could finally see the children again. Every time we visit, we remind the children that the support we provide is because of you, and your faithful giving. The children cannot wait to see you and thank you personally, so we pray that we can resume our monthly visits to the orphanages in 2022.

Keeping up with the life sustaining and education needs of the children has been our primary focus during this time. Aside from our monthly financial support, we held several “supply drives” where we collected additional food, cleaning supplies and personal hygiene supplies that were all delivered to the orphanages.



Thanks to your support this year we have been able to not only focus on basic needs, but we have also been able to focus on quality-of-life improvement projects such as fixing plumbing issues, broken windows, and other safety related repairs.

Other projects included the installation of a patio shade for the Special Needs dorm at Rancho de Los Niños so they can enjoy their outdoor activities, as well as installing some beautiful synthetic grass on the playground at Los Angelitos orphanage. As you can imagine, we already have a long list of projects for 2022!

The 2021/2022 school year continued in a distance-learning format for some students and in a hybrid format for others. In a way, the hybrid format presented a new challenge for the orphanages in learning how to properly utilize the staff’s support to ensure the children could follow the required schedules.



We have continued to provide support for in-home teachers and tutors and for education technology such as laptops, Chromebooks and other devices that the children need for their schoolwork. Children are sometimes transferred to other orphanages and so we follow them to ensure their needs are covered. This year, a few of our children were transferred to another orphanage and when we visited them, we found that the orphanage needed help with technology for their students as well. In some cases, students were trying to do schoolwork on the staff’s cellular phones! Thanks to your donations, we were able to provide Chromebook laptops, desktop computers, and headphones for these future leaders.

This year we have four (4) students completing their university studies:



Nothing fills our hearts more than to see our children succeed! If you EVER wonder if your support makes a difference, here is living proof that it does!

Cecilia entered an orphanage as a young teen. Cecilia graduated in 2016 with a degree in psychology. During her internship period, Cecilia decided to focus on Human Resources, specifically, training and recruitment.

Last year, Cecilia got a job with Crowe Tijuana, one of the largest international consultancy company in Mexico. She continues to succeed in her career, and serves as a strong role model to our students.

Isaac lived in an orphanage with his three sisters for 6 years during a time when their single mother could not provide for them.He and his siblings eventually able to reunite with their mother when he was in high school but Corazon de Vida continued to provide educational support to Isaac and his siblings. Isaac graduated from college in 2016 with a degree in accounting.

He has been working as an accountant for Toyota Tijuana for the last 3 years and helps support his family.

This quote is for you, from one of our Alumni:

“I represent your donations, your visits to the orphanage, your Christmas gifts each year, your effort to donate each month …. If you donate $1 or $100, you will be part of the history of each one of us, I hope to one day meet you, DONOR, and thank you personally, but if that does not happen, THANK YOU from all of us!” – Alin Cuevas, MD

Together we are giving orphaned and abandoned children an opportunity for a life of purpose and possibility. Please consider making an additional end-of-the-year tax deductible donation and help us continue to make the dream of a better life a reality for our kids!

We are blessed to have your support and partnership in this work!


Hilda Pacheco-Taylor
Founder, Corazon de Vida Foundation
“We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.” – Winston Churchill


CORAZON DE VIDA :: NOCHE DE GALA BREAKS PREVIOUS FUNDRASING RECORDS! Posted on 8 Nov 11:00 , 0 comments


What a night! We knew that Noche de Gala was going to be an amazing event but nothing could have prepared us for the incredible wave of generosity that we were about to experience. With the sun setting on the historic Hotel del Coronado there couldn’t have been a more spectacular way to begin the celebration. It was the perfect place for the Corazon de Vida family to reunite in San Diego. We are beyond excited to announce that thanks to your participation and generous hearts, we surpassed all of our fundraising records to date, raising over $340,000 in support of the children! YOU made this an unforgettable night!

The last couple of years have been a testament of how fortunate we are to have a community of supporters that cares and loves our children unconditionally. Last Saturday as we reunited after two long years, your love for the children shone so brightly. Your unwavering commitment to our mission of transforming the lives of thousands of orphaned and abandoned children in Baja was ever-present every minute of the night.


A very special thank you to our Main Sponsors Bird Rock Systems and Saban Music Group. To our product sponsors: Hotel Del Coronado, Alternative Strategies, Ortega’s A Mexican Bistro, Encore, Harumi Floral Design, Tahona, Sasy Wines, Casamigos Tequila and Chuao Chocolatier. To our talented musicians and performers: Agustin “El Moro”, Nghia Lam, Chiara Copobianco, Laura Urgelles, Fulya and Ozhan, Sinai and our DJs Alina and Ja Kop. And to our amazing team of photographers and videographers: Omar Araiza, Roman Durta and Kliff. We are also very grateful to the companies and individuals that donated items to our live and silent auction, your contributions made a huge impact in our fundraising efforts.
We are extremely grateful for our San Diego Chapter, not only for your hard work and commitment leading to the event by inviting your network, securing donations, sponsorships and silent auction items, but also for your love of the children and commitment to Corazon de Vida's mission for so many years! To our amazing Host Committee for working hard for months leading up to the event. To our superstars Masters of Ceremonies Abelardo Rodriguez and Paola Hernandez and the Rick Werner Professional Auctioneer family for working the crowd throughout the night in such a magical way. And to our ever amazing team of hardworking volunteers, none of our events would be possible without your support. Thank you for your love of the children and for believing in our mission.
We are overwhelmed with the increasing support we get each year. We truly believe YOU are the key to our mission. Your loyalty to Corazon de Vida is the reason our children have hope for a better tomorrow. On behalf of the kids, GRACIAS!

Click HERE for the gallery of photos.