We are proud to have supported these causes!
We are proud to have supported these causes!
Consider This…
“The power of human empathy, leading to collective action, saves lives, and frees prisoners.
We do not need magic to change the world, we carry all the power we need inside ourselves already: we have the power to imagine better.”
J.K. Rowling, author, philanthropist, and founder of children’s charity Lumos
2025 Recipients
Sojourners- Washington, DC
Check to be presented in DJ’s birth & death month - September 2025
At the Daniel J. Rios Memorial Fund, we believe that the true measure of an organization is not in its popularity or public accolades but in its unwavering commitment to justice, love, and the flourishing of all people. In a time in history we never imagined we would witness, when so many funders have proven to be more performative than principled, aligning with trends rather than truth, we are proud to stand with Sojourners as the recipient of our 2025 Star Charity Award.
Sojourners is a Christian organization dedicated to faith in action for social justice. Through nonprofit journalism, digital media, education, advocacy, and grassroots mobilization, they work tirelessly to strengthen movements for human rights, dignity, and justice — racial, gender, economic, and environmental. Their mission is rooted deeply in the teachings of Jesus and the vision of the Beloved Community. They seek to replace fear and division with love and unity, uplift the vulnerable, promote the common good, and create a society where all communities can truly thrive.
At the core of Sojourners' work is the conviction that every person is made in the image of God (imago Dei) and therefore worthy of dignity, protection, and opportunity. This resonates deeply with us. In a nation where the current administration has openly mocked people with disabilities and pushed policies like the so-called "Big Beautiful Bill," we are reminded that our son Daniel, and so many like him, would have been seen as targets rather than treasured. It is only natural, then, that we choose to support an organization that stands unapologetically for all humanity, including those on the margins, those overlooked, and those who are most vulnerable.
Our choice to honor Sojourners is a declaration of the kind of world we are striving to build in Daniel's name: a world that is compassionate, inclusive, just, and reflective of the divine image in every person. We believe that faith should not be a tool for exclusion but a force for liberation, justice, and healing. Sojourners embodies this belief through their vision of transforming individuals, communities, and ultimately the world.
In supporting Sojourners, we are extending Daniel’s spirit into the world, a spirit that calls us to show up for those who cannot always speak for themselves, to act boldly for justice, and to love radically.
TBD- Apply or Nominate
Applications until August 22, 2025
2024 Recipients
New Community Church -Kansas
This church plant started in the home of Darryl and Stephanie Answer in Kansas City, Missouri. Over the last few years they have met other families with children who are disabled. Many of them did not have a church home, some had even been asked to leave their church. This church became a safe place where they could go and participate. They continue to see the church grow in having both children and adults who are disabled or neurodiverse join as they also continue to learn about ways they can grow in access and inclusion. They keep educating themselves and hope to do better to have more inclusion and full participation and leadership from this community of individuals.
ICU Baby- South Florida
ICU baby is on a mission to unite NICU families and provide them with financial, emotional and informational support so that families and babies can thrive together in the NICU.
We presented our gift to ICU Baby on September 27, 2024 at their Little Miracles Luncheon.
2023 Recipient
JCC Sunrise Day Camp- Fort Lauderdale mission
Sunrise Day Camp–South Florida is a proud member of the Sunrise Association, whose mission is to bring back the joys of childhood to children with cancer and their siblings worldwide. Sunrise accomplishes this through the creation and oversight of welcoming, inclusive day camps, year-round programs and in-hospital recreational activities, all offered FREE of charge.
After the presentation of the check, people continued to give and we were able to raise over $10K for this charity!