Paulie Pryce Cortez Memorial Foundation

09/01/2026

09/01/2026

Our “Why”
This is why we work so hard to spread awareness. This is why we fundraise. This is why we go to high schools and talk to young drivers!
This is why we facilitate a grief support group for bereaved parents.
We promised Paulie we’d do all that we could to prevent this from happening to another young driver.

08/01/2026

Our 5th Annual PPCMF dinner is fast approaching & it will look different this year! Location will be at The Garden’s in Tulare and catered by Jack’s! Although we love how fun Halloween dressing up can be, we won’t be this year! Our goal this year is fun, awareness & raising lots of money to put back into our young drivers! We can’t wait to see you October 3rd!
Ooohhh and don’t forget to get your golf team registered for October 23rd!

07/24/2026

Get your tickets or table now!

04/05/2026

Holidays are harder for some because they’ve had to leave their homes and they’re displaced. We find great joy in trying to add some normalcy to children, whose lives were uprooted due to violence and uncontrolled circumstances. Each year at Easter, the Easter bunny visits the domestic violence shelter of Tulare County and hides eggs for the children there. This year there were several children who were ecstatic to find eggs and hug the Easter bunny. It is a great honor of mine to not only be a long time volunteer for this agency, but sit on the Board of Directors. This is a much needed agency in our county.

As a grieving mother, I find joy in holidays by bringing joy to children who might not otherwise have it. This has been requirement to my survival, and I recommend this to the other mothers in our grief support group who struggle with holidays. The best way to find joy is to give joy to others.

Happy Easter friends and remember don’t drive tired.

03/30/2026

♥️♠️♦️♣️ 😴🚗🚨

03/22/2026

A Detour You Don’t Want To Take‼️

A few mornings back, a driver on westbound California State Route 37 west of Skaggs Island Road learned a hard lesson about driving while fatigued.

The driver reportedly fell asleep behind the wheel, veered off the roadway, and ended up taking an unexpected detour into the water.

Fortunately, after a short swim to shore, the driver was able to walk away with no major injuries.

This crash is a reminder that drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as impaired driving. If you’re tired, your reaction time slows, and you may even fall asleep without realizing it.

Before you drive:
✔️Get adequate rest
✔️Take breaks on longer trips
✔️If you feel drowsy, pull over in a safe location and rest

Thank you to the Marin County Fire Department for assisting with the vehicle recovery!

03/20/2026

Health & safety fair & blood drive today!

02/17/2026

This was the hardest story I’ve ever told… and the most important.

My son Paulie fell asleep behind the wheel.
In one moment, everything changed.
Our family will never be the same.

Drowsy driving doesn’t feel dangerous.
It feels like:
“I’m almost home.”
“I’ll be fine.”
“I just need to push through.”

But driving tired can be just as deadly as driving drunk.

I gave this TEDx Talk because if sharing our story saves even one life, then Paulie’s legacy continues.

Please take a few minutes to watch.
And if you ever feel tired behind the wheel… please pull over. Rest. Call someone. Your life matters.

🎥 Watch here: https://youtu.be/5zASOIHuwoM

If this message moves you, please share it.
You could save someone’s life.

For Paulie.
For every family.
For every life that deserves to make it home.

EndDrowsyDriving

02/12/2026

Officially a TEDX speaker! I am extremely honored to have this opportunity to share our story. One of tragedy, love & awareness.
Watch the YouTube video and share with the young drivers in your life! Together we can prevent future similar tragedies.
Paulie’s life was electric & short. His life & death both have purpose.


https://youtu.be/5zASOIHuwoM?si=hEecOHIvnpoxBRN4

Www.pauliepromise.com