From Our Hearts to Yours: The 2025 Gala Invitation

Karin Larrave and Guillermo Aguilar-Valdes
Honorary Chairs

We are deeply honored to invite you to the 2025 International Esperanza Project Gala, taking place on November 8th at The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas.

This evening is more than a formal event—it is a celebration of purpose, compassion, and community.

As Honorary Chairs and devoted supporters of IEP’s mission, we feel a profound connection to the transformative work being done in Guatemala. We’ve witnessed firsthand the remarkable change that unfolds when communities are empowered to reclaim their dignity, hope, and future.

These are not just stories—they are living testaments to the power of compassion and collective action.

Your generosity is a powerful act of service. It uplifts communities and lights the path toward a brighter tomorrow.

We look forward to sharing this meaningful evening with you.

With heartfelt gratitude,
Karin and Guillermo

OUR VISION

International Esperanza Project strengthens communities in Latin America from the inside, out, partnering to create impact through lasting improvements to homes, healthcare, and education -- so everyone can realize the future they hope for.

IMPACTING HEALTH

We provide high-quality medical care to those who otherwise would have no access. Teams of passionate medical volunteers worldwide travel to Chimaltenango throughout the year to set up one-week clinics and surgical centers. Each clinic team attends to hundreds of patients, and surgical teams perform life-changing surgeries.

IMPACTING HOMES

Our volunteer teams install smoke-free stoves and water filters in the homes of families who cook on open fires. The stoves eliminate smoke in the home, use 60% less wood, and reduce the risk of burns in children. Women regain a full day of time each week since they need to gather less wood. The water filters provide clean and safe drinking water and prevent waterborne illnesses.

IMPACTING EDUCATION

Our school program educates over 350 students annually, starting with Montessori education through High School. The education program provides each student with school supplies, textbooks, extracurricular activities, and technology. Last year, IEP celebrated its first graduating class from High School. The BookTuk® Mobile Education program, which includes books and teachers, addresses learning deficiencies by offering tutoring classes. Additionally, IEP offers vocational training for men and women through an Adult Trade Training Program, which aims to promote financial independence and empower individuals to build a brighter future.

OUR VISION

IMPACTING HOMES

To reduce the risk of injury and illness from open-fire cooking and unclean drinking water, IEP installs smoke-free stoves and water filters in homes.

IMPACTING HEALTH

IEP provides free medical assistance to those who lack even basic healthcare, including primary care, eye exams, dental care, and surgical procedures.

IMPACTING EDUCATION

IEP’s School Impact Program aims to improve entire communities from the ground up by focusing on a community’s most valuable resource: its children.