The Flor Foundation

My family and I were going back to Colombia after 13 years, and although I didn’t know it then, that was the trip that started it all. Now let me begin by stating that I was 18 at the time and all I wanted to do was go to Colombia and see my family-my mother however, had different plans. My brother was 13 at the time and my sister was only 2-yet between the 3 of us and my parents, we traveled wit

h 10 suitcases, 5 carryon bags, and 5 backpacks!!! Not to mention the huge purses my mom and I each had. Looking back ,I’m not really sure why I didn’t question my mom’s antics? I should also mention that out of all of that luggage, only about 1/4 of it was our clothes, shoes, etc. What was in those bags??! It wouldn’t take long to find out. We landed in Colombia on a very hot & sticky December morning. I vividly remember the wave of humidity that I felt as soon as I stepped outside. But there was one thing that I remember most about that trip-the immense gap between the economic classes. It was everywhere you looked. As we drove to my grandparents house from the airport, I experienced such a wide array of emotions. I was ecstatic to be with my friends and family that I hadn’t seen in years, but there was also this nagging feeling of sadness that I couldn’t shake. Here I was having an amazing time in this magnificent place, but all around me there were children, homeless, barefoot-on the streets trying to wash your car windows, sell you something, perform for you…anything to make a little money. I remember being approached one day at the beach by a little boy, no more than 8 years old. I can’t even remember what it was that he was selling, I just remember his smile. It was huge, from ear to ear. He should’ve been having fun, playing with his friends, but he had to work to help his family. My heart broke for him, I wanted to take every single kid home. I wanted to hug each one, and make sure they had a warm meal to eat and a place to sleep at night. There was something else I noticed, everywhere we went, every kid we went, my mom seemed to have something for them. Clothes, a pair of shoes, a new toy-where was she getting all of this from??! That’s right-our suitcases! My mom embraced as many kids as she could. She would ask them their name, if they went to school, did they have brothers and sisters? It seemed like she gave every child we saw something! But more than that, she let them know they were loved. That December in 1998, I realized my mom was extraordinary, I realized she was meant for greatness, and I knew there had to be a way to help her achieve all of her dreams. I am still amazed at how many families and children my mom has managed to help. It’s been 12 years since that trip to Colombia and I could write a book about all the charitable things she’s accomplished. Along the way, my mom teamed up with an amazing group of women who shared the same passion as her-, Ingrid Anzules, Elvira Lambis, Angela Abreau and Patrica. These women accomplish whatever they set out to do. They’re relentless, passionate and loving. They have yard sales, raffles-whatever they can do to help out anyone that needs assistance. They’ve delivered book bags and school supplies to various schools in Colombia, Dominican Republic and locally. They’ve cooked and served Thanksgiving dinner for over 100 people in need. They visit jails and hospitals. They lend a hand to anyone in need, I could go on forever. This is where my motivation comes from, this is my inspiration. The Flor Foundation is my gift to my mom, Flor de Maria Tovar. She is my guiding light, and my driving force. We hope to reach millions…so we have a long way to go!!!