On any given day,
there are 2,000 foster children in San Diego County.
Promises2Kids is dedicated to a mission of creating a brighter future for foster children in San Diego. From the moment they come into foster care and through to adulthood, Promises2Kids provides the hope, support, and opportunities these individuals need to change their lives for the better… now and for years to come. Stephanie Ortega is the Chief Operating Officer for Promises2Kids.
#1 I grew up in San Diego. I left for college, but, of course, came home because there is no better place.
#2 My sister was and continues to be such an amazing role model and someone I have always been able to look up to.
#3 We love traveling – we recently went to Japan and had the time of our lives. We also travel a lot to Mexico, where my husband is from.
#4 We are currently trying to choose our next adventure – Italy is top of the list right now. An African Safari is also on my bucket list.
#5 I love to play soccer!
#6 We watch the TV show ‘Chef!’ A LOT – my husband is a chef and has his own food truck business, so we have fun watching it and love the motivation.
#7 Towards the end of high school, through grad school, and as I started my own family, I really relied on others for support, to ask questions of and to learn from – they really showed up for me! Everyone deserves to feel as though they are thought about and that people will always show up for them. I think it is important we all try to give back in that way to our community.
#8 I started my journey with Promises2Kids 20 years ago, not long after grad school. I began as a Guardian Scholars Coordinator, supporting the amazing former foster youth in San Diego pursuing higher education. Those students, along with so many colleagues, really became like family. I was lucky to be able to grow with Promises and I cannot imagine doing anything else – I still keep in touch with so many of those students today.
#9 There are many ways to help make a difference in a foster child’s life through Promises2Kids. Volunteer, mentor, donate, or learn about more ways to get involved by getting in touch!
#10 Money raised at “Foodies 4 Foster Kids” will go towards reuniting siblings who are separated and living apart in care, helping foster youth achieve their educational and career goals, matching foster youth with mentors, providing resources and opportunities needed to prevent homelessness, and much more.
Promises2Kids
“Foodies 4 Foster Kids”
May 1 – 31, 2026
Various restaurants throughout San Diego County (see website for addresses)
