Tijuana at Heart
Approximately three years ago, Frank Carrillo decided that it was time to become more involved in caring for those who have been much less fortunate than himself. After a long career as an entrepreneur, Frank had reached an economic point that allowed him to be generous; he had been generous in the past, but he wanted to do it in a formal way. He founded what is now known as Fundación Simnsa, A.C., a Mexican non-profit organization.
The initial funding came from Simnsa Health Plan and from his own personal funds. Staff and office space for the Foundation is provided by Frank as well. So far, the non-profit has been received well as they have had two Golf Tournaments that have raised about $200,000 for needy organizations.
Their third tournament is scheduled for July 6 at the Club Campestre de Tijuana. Most of their contributions have come from the private sector and medical industries of Baja California; that is where Simnsa Health Plan does business and has more connections. This year, they are seeking donors from the U.S. side of the border using an account through The International Community Foundation, a U.S. qualified organization headed by Richard Kiy.
With the money raised so far, they have been able to support Pasitos with $35,000; La Casa Del Migrante with another $35,000; and the families of all Policemen who have died in the line of duty and those who were left disabled who have received in excess of $100,000. They have donated over 2,000 pairs of shoes to different children’s groups, and hundreds of school uniforms and school supplies to those who could not afford them. Escuela Cuautemoc, a school for blind children recently received nearly $20,000 in Braille equipment so they can continue their special education services.
Now, many new projects are under way. They are building a assistance home in Tijuana to help the families and children receiving treatment at the cancer center of the Hospital General. The building has been purchased and is now being remodeled. The other project is Maria Inmaculada, an orphanage for almost 100 abandoned children ages 12 months to 17 years of age. More than half are victims of sexual abuse or parents with drug addictions. Clearly these two projects will keep them more than occupied for years to come and they will never have enough funds to fully meet all the basic needs of these two groups, but they will never stop trying. Fundación Simnsa is working hard to meet all their fundraising and support goals.
Frank Carrillo will never forget what he does. For him, it is a blessing to be able to give back to the community that gave him life, the community of his parents and ancestors, and a community that has given him so much in his business life. “It is the least I can do for my people,” a very humble yet proud Frank Carrillo says with a beaming smile.
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