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Welcome to the heartwarming journey of FORMANDO SONRISAS! Our story begins with the incredible Dolores Ceja, a truly inspiring woman born in Mexico and raised in the vibrant town of Ocotlan, Jalisco. Now a proud U.S. citizen, Dolores has always had a passion for helping those in need, especially the children of her hometown.

In Ocotlan, many children face the tough realities of poverty, often having to put their dreams on hold to support their families. It breaks our hearts to see them working long hours in brick yards instead of enjoying the carefree days of childhood and pursuing an education. These brave kids deserve a chance to learn, grow, and chase their dreams!

Back in 2002, Dolores decided to take a stand and make a difference. She launched her very first fundraising campaign with a simple yet effective idea—a raffle for a television set! With her own resources and the support of her friends and family, she managed to raise enough money to help six underprivileged children begin their educational journeys. The joy and hope that this brought to the children and their families sparked something beautiful within Dolores, and she was motivated to do even more!

In 2003, she organized the very first FORMANDO SONRISAS dinner and show benefit event, which was a smashing success thanks to the love and support from her family and friends. As word spread about her mission, more and more compassionate individuals joined the cause, bringing in new volunteers and sponsors eager to help.

Fast forward to 2025, and we are thrilled to share that FORMANDO SONRISAS has grown immensely! Dolores has proudly been able to support and maintain 120 students in the program, paving the way for a brighter future for these children. But that’s not all—since 2005, we’ve also awarded over 25 scholarships to children and teens from low-income families in Orange County, California, helping them with their tuition and educational dreams.

At FORMANDO SONRISAS, we believe in the timeless wisdom: "Give a child a fish, and you feed them for a day; teach a child to fish, and you feed them for a lifetime." Together, we are creating opportunities, spreading smiles, and changing lives—one child at a time! Join us in this joyful journey of hope and transformation!