By Maria Jose Orellana | Executive Director
Something magical happened this week.
A delivery truck pulled up to the Hearts of Gold Foundation, and the news spread like wildfire: the new industrial mixer had arrived. Staff paused what they were doing. The grandmothers gathered. Smiles spread across the courtyard. For a few beautiful moments, the entire foundation buzzed with joy.
Because this wasn’t just a delivery—it was a milestone. A symbol of what’s possible when people like you say, “Yes, I want to help.”
Thanks to this community’s support, we’ve raised our first $1,500 for the Grandmother Baking for a Better Future campaign. That money bought the mixer that’s already helping women like Doña Mercedes knead with ease and bake with purpose.
But we’re not done yet.
Now, it’s time for the oven.
We’re halfway there—and it’s time to turn up the heat.
Our goal: Raise $1,500 more by May 31st
In these final 10 days, we’re working to raise $1,500 more to buy an industrial oven that will triple production—and open the kitchen to even more grandmothers who are ready to rise.
Every $250 raised beyond our $3,000 goal allows one more grandmother to join the program—with full training, supplies, and emotional support.
Our stretch goal of $5,000 would help 8 new women transform their lives and break cycles of generational poverty—through dignity, skill-building, and enterprise.
These women are caregivers, survivors, and community leaders. They’ve spent decades caring for others. Now it’s their turn to be seen and supported.
You can help us get there.
Share this story with someone who believes in women’s empowerment—or make a second gift today to help us open the oven doors to more grandmothers.
Every share matters. Every dollar counts.
Mark Your Calendars:
Volunteer Day – May 31st
We’ll celebrate this journey with bread tasting, grandmother meet-and-greets, and a cozy Netflix watch of Nonna’s, honoring the truth that it’s never too late to rise.
Take action today: forward this email to a friend who would love this project—or make a new gift to bring us to the finish line.
Help us raise the final $1,500—and bake something even bigger.
Because when one grandmother rises, generations do too.
Let’s finish what we started. Let’s rise—and celebrate—together.
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PS- We know your gift already made a difference—and we’re so grateful. If you know someone who would love to be part of this rise, we’d be honored for you to share this story.
With joy and rising hope,
Maria Jose Orellana
Hearts of Gold Foundation
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