This event is VIDA's biggest EVER fundraiser! The organization has been supported by a small group of personal donors for over a decade.
About Us
Dear Friends,
In 2009 I was inspired by VIDA’s work with underprivileged children in Mexico. When VIDA’s founder, Elisabeth Tatum, challenged me to visit the orphanage in Oaxaca, Mexico I jumped at the chance! At the orphanage I walked into a kitchen pantry intended to feed fourteen boys a day and found hardly any food. That changed my life! I knew I wanted to help make a difference.
We believe there are numerous ways in which we can support these children in need and help them build a more sustainable future through education. With three staff members working in Mexico, a working board in San Francisco, donors, and volunteers – we have developed a community of people committed to empowering these precious children to access education and life’s most basic necessities.
Years into the program we are really making a difference! As the number of students we assist grows each year, we at VIDA are very optimistic about our ability to meet this challenge. These new opportunities inspire us to reflect on our roles and that brings out our best instincts. We invite you to consider how you may help us help others -- whether it is by making a donation, or through sponsorship of a student.
We wish to assure you that your contributions will ensure that VIDA’s care for more than sixteen students will continue to change their lives and break the cycle of poverty! Your support will be recognized and appreciated by us and our students.
In Gratitude,
Drew L. Vogt
VIDA President
Our Mission
VIDA was founded in 2001 by Elizabeth Tatum to improve the lives of orphans in Oaxaca, Mexico. We are dedicated to reaching them while in grade school, and later helping them break the cycle of poverty by offering education leading to self-sustaining careers. We empower students by offering mentoring, tutors, food, clothes, school supplies, and most importantly -- emotional support.
This year, we'd like to expand our work by building a facility that could serve many more children and families in the community with an increased range and level of human services. We could provide housing during study periods and school breaks for those that need it, classes for families, a place for local professionals to mentor the kids, and more. The sky's the limit if we have the love and support of our Bay Area community behind us. Won't you be a part of the VIDA family?
