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Mendiburu Magic Foundation contributes $30,000 to Kern County children in 2008

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The Mendiburu Magic Foundation (MMF) is a non-profit public benefit organization that is a recognized 501c3 entity, according to the United States Internal Revenue Service.

MMF was founded in loving memory of Nancy Ann Mendiburu on June 19, 2000, and is 100 percent volunteer-based.

On Dec. 1, the Mendiburu Magic Foundation announced its expenditure financials for the fiscal year 2008 thus far. This charitable organization continues to grow since its inception in 2000, helping sick children and their families as well as making valuable investments in the futures of local youths.

“We are so thrilled to be able to give back to our community in this sort of fashion,” said Brian Mendiburu, MMF founder and president, who credited the group’s board of directors, the community advisory board of directors, and Chairman Larry Reider for MMF’s continued successes.

Among MMF’s specific goals are:
• Ongoing medical research for cancer
• Help children and families affected by any catastrophic or life threatening illness
• Community impact programs with an emphasis on positive youth development

The organization raised and donated $10,000 in each division for a total of $30,000.

The recipients of these funds include: the Cancer Research-National Cancer Institute, American Cancer Society, Los Angeles Children’s Hospital, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, MD Anderson, and City of Hope.

There is also the Nancy Ann Mendiburu Scholarship Fund for Kern High School District graduating seniors, Muscular Dystrophy Association, Bakersfield City School District Educational Foundation, Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County, Leaders in Life Youth Conference, MOVE International for Handicapped Children, Bakersfield Firefighter’s Relief Association, East Bakersfield Thanksgiving Give-Back, Joe Lopez Scholarship Fund, Carrie Lomas Scholarship Fund, and St. Francis Catholic Church Mendiburu Magic Funds (patient assistance funds for Kern County children and their families) have helped patients at Bakersfield Memorial Hospital, UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital, Central California Children’s Hospital, and Los Angeles Children’s Hospital.

When the organization started in 2000, the operating budget was only $1,200, according to Valerie Mendiburu, vice president of public affairs.

“So the growth that we have seen until now is the result of many long days and countless volunteer hours on behalf of some wonderful people in this community,” she said. “This sort of announcement really makes us all feel good about the investment that we can make in the community.”

— For more information about the Mendiburu Magic Foundation, please visit: www.mendiburumagic.org