Happy holidays! We’ve entered one of my favorite seasons, when we spend quality time with loved ones and focus on what really matters in life;  happiness, health, family and community. As you go about your holiday shopping, I hope you’ll put the Eva Longoria Foundation on your list and support our work to help Latinas build a better future for themselves – and our country – through education and entrepreneurship.

When I think of family and the holidays, giving back is one of my strongest memories.  As a child, my mother and aunt took me all over town – to fold clothes at the Salvation Army or to help out at the local Special Olympics. My philanthropy has changed since then but my commitment to giving has never wavered.

I’m reaching out to you as a like-minded friend who understands the importance of giving and specifically, the value of investing in our country’s greatest natural resource – Latinas. These women are an integral part of our future yet too few Latinas are positioned for success.

Just a few weeks ago, a teenage son in a full suit stood proudly next to his mother one of our parent engagement course graduations. When asked why he was so dressed up, he explained, “This is the first time my mother has graduated from anything. Of course I’m going to wear a suit.” His mother may not have a high school degree, but she is determined to give her sons and daughters the opportunities she never had and see them graduate from college. Her story is one of many that motivate us to continue opening doors for Latinas and their families.

During our first semester, we graduated 219 Latino parents from courses that will enable them to support their children’s education and put them on the path to college. We’re also launching a microloan fund to help Latina entrepreneurs establish and grow small businesses in 2013. Can you make a tax-deductible donation to help us reach 1,000 parents next year? Can you provide Latina small business owners with the loan capital to succeed?

I hope you will join me in supporting the future of Latinas this holiday season. Thank you again for your consideration and generosity.

Warmly,

Eva