In December 1998, my family began vacationing in Mazatlán to escape the cold Utah winters. During one of those early trips, we felt compelled to give back to the local community, so we decided to bring gifts to children in an orphanage. Without knowing any Spanish, we flagged down a local driver and asked him to take us to Walmart to buy toys and then to the nearest orphanage. He took us to Ciudad de los Niños, and that visit changed our lives. The warmth and resilience of the children, as well as the dedication of the Nuns, touched our hearts deeply. From that moment, we knew this would become an annual tradition.

A few years later, we met Kim Giles and her children, who invited us to visit all the orphanages supported by Tres Islas Orphanage Fund (TIOF). We saw firsthand the impact that even small acts of kindness could have. It was through Kim that I met Donelle Manton, the founder of TIOF, whose dedication to the children of Mazatlán inspired us even more.

Today, my family continues this tradition every Christmas, and now my grandchildren join us. We've watched many of these children grow up into successful adults, and the joy of connecting with them year after year is immeasurable.

I share this story in the hope that it inspires you to take action. Whether it’s through volunteering your time, donating services, or contributing funds, your involvement can make a profound difference in the lives of these children. The smallest gestures of kindness can create lasting impacts—both for those in need and for you. Together, we can help these children thrive and give them the hope and opportunities they deserve.

Kim Giles, the founder and CEO of 12shapes.com, and has dedicated nearly 20 years to serving with Tres Islas Orphanage Fund. As an author and Master Coach, Kim has always been passionate about making a difference and helping others, but her work with Tres Islas holds a special place in her heart.

Kim's journey with Tres Islas began with a simple desire to give back, and over the years, it has grown into a deep and unwavering commitment. She spends a significant amount of time in Mazatlán, where she connects with the children, playing with them, listening to their stories, and offering them the love and support they so greatly need. Her time with these children is not just about providing for their immediate needs—it's about building relationships, fostering hope, and empowering them to dream big.

Kim’s passion for service is contagious. She believes in the power of small acts of kindness and the ripple effect they can have on entire communities. Through her work with Tres Islas, Kim has seen firsthand how love, care, and consistent support can transform lives.

Kim’s story is a testament to the profound impact that one person can make when they choose to dedicate their time and energy to helping others. She invites you to join her in this mission—whether by volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word. Together, we can create a brighter future for the children of Mazatlán and inspire others to do the same.

Kerstin serves as the Treasurer for the Tres Islas Orphanage Fund, bringing over 20 years of financial expertise and dynamic leadership to the organization. As a mother of five, Kerstin is deeply committed to giving back and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive. 

Kerstin's journey with Tres Islas is driven by her passion for making a tangible difference in the lives of orphaned and vulnerable children in Mazatlán, Mexico. She believes that financial stewardship is not just about numbers; it's about creating opportunities for growth, stability, and long-term success. Her strategic mindset and entrepreneurial spirit have already made a significant impact on the organization's ability to sustain and expand its vital programs.

Through her role as Treasurer, Kerstin is committed to empowering Tres Islas to continue its mission of providing essential resources like food, education, and care to children in need. She invites others to join her in this important work, whether through financial contributions, volunteer efforts, or simply spreading the word about the incredible impact of Tres Islas.

With Kerstin at the helm of financial management, Tres Islas is well-positioned to continue making a difference in the lives of countless children, ensuring they have the foundation they need to build a brighter future.

In 2015, as the founding couple, Donelle and Tom Manton, could no longer manage the responsibilities of the Tres Islas Orphanage Fund, they asked Julie to be the Board President and continue the work they had started. Julie was President for her term of 3 years before handing the privilege to Michelle Bonner.  Julie recently re-joined the TIOF Board and took on the role as Secretary.  She lives in Minnesota with her husband of 36 years, her daughter Amelia, and her son Kenny. Recently retired after more than 40 years in Program and Organizational Transformation management, Julie brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her role.

Her passion for helping children stems from her own experience of adopting a child from Russia, which has fueled her commitment to ensuring that children receive food, education, and other basic needs. Julie and her family became involved with the orphanages in Mazatlán around 2005, visiting and bringing joy to the children through Easter egg hunts and Christmas presents. It was during these visits that Julie was introduced to the Tres Islas Orphanage Fund and became an ardent supporter of its mission.

Now retired, Julie is able to dedicate more time to her passions, including gardening, world travel, and, most importantly, spending quality time with her family. Her involvement with Tres Islas continues to be a central part of her life, and she remains deeply committed to making a difference in the lives of the children the organization supports.

Julie invites others to join her in supporting the Tres Islas Orphanage Fund, whether through volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word. Her story is a reminder of the profound impact that one person’s dedication can have on the lives of many.

Laura Franklin serves as the Chief Marketing Officer on the Tres Islas Orphanage Fund board, bringing a fresh perspective and innovative approach since joining in 2023. With a robust background in marketing, brand strategy, and communications, Laura has spent her career crafting compelling narratives and driving brand growth for companies across various industries. Her passion for storytelling and connecting with audiences has made her an invaluable asset to the Tres Islas team.

Laura's journey with Tres Islas began with a desire to use her professional skills to make a meaningful impact. Her deep commitment to the organization's mission of supporting orphaned and vulnerable children in Mazatlán, Mexico, has driven her to take on the role of CMO with enthusiasm and dedication. Laura is focused on raising awareness about the needs of these children and inspiring others to get involved, whether through volunteering, donating, or simply sharing the story of Tres Islas.

Beyond her professional achievements, Laura is known for her creative spirit and ability to bring people together. She is passionate about making a difference in the world and believes that everyone has a role to play in creating positive change. Through her work with Tres Islas, Laura aims to build a strong community of supporters who are committed to improving the lives of the children the organization serves.

Laura invites others to join her in this mission, leveraging their skills, time, or resources to help ensure that every child has access to the food, education, and care they need to thrive. Her leadership in marketing is helping to amplify the voice of Tres Islas, making it easier for more people to become part of this important cause.

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