Our Story
Learn who we are, where we come from, and why we do what we do.
Our Story
The Cipotes Sonriendo Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering children and families through sports, education, and community support. With deep roots in both Washington State and El Salvador, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to grow, dream, and succeed.
Founded on June 6, 2021, by Aminta Elgin — with the unwavering support of Ana Castro and Salvadorean Bakery — the Foundation began as a personal dream that grew into a community-wide movement. As need grew faster than personal resources could cover, Aminta opened the cause to friends, neighbors, and volunteers who shared her vision. What started as one person's commitment has grown into an organization that has directly impacted over 245 children, raised more than $8,500 at its 2nd Annual Gala, and continues to build partnerships across Washington State and El Salvador.
🌱Our Name
We are proudly named after the word 'cipote' — a beloved Nahuatl term for 'boy' or 'young man' rooted in Salvadoran culture and linked to the mythical Cipitío, the eternally joyful child. It is both a term of affection and a symbol of the children at the heart of everything we do.
Our History
The journey that brought us to where we are today.
Sisters Aminta and Ana landed in White Center, Seattle, WA
Arriving in the US, the sisters quickly looked for a way to settle in and make Seattle a home
Sisters Aminta and Ana landed in White Center, Seattle, WA
Arriving in the US, the sisters quickly looked for a way to settle in and make Seattle a home
Salvadoran Bakery and Restaurant Grand Opening!
It was a big dream to give the people from El Salvador living in Seattle a taste of home through cuisine. In addition to providing a home for the Latine community, the sisters also wanted a way to share customs and traditions of El Salvador with the public through Salvadoran Bakery and Restaurant.
Salvadoran Bakery and Restaurant Grand Opening!
It was a big dream to give the people from El Salvador living in Seattle a taste of home through cuisine. In addition to providing a home for the Latine community, the sisters also wanted a way to share customs and traditions of El Salvador with the public through Salvadoran Bakery and Restaurant.
Foundation Founded
On June 6, 2021, Aminta Elgin founded the Cipotes Sonriendo Foundation as a personal dream, supported from day one by Ana Castro and Salvadorean Bakery. Together they provided the initial resources to bring this mission to life for the benefit of children in Washington State and El Salvador.
Foundation Founded
On June 6, 2021, Aminta Elgin founded the Cipotes Sonriendo Foundation as a personal dream, supported from day one by Ana Castro and Salvadorean Bakery. Together they provided the initial resources to bring this mission to life for the benefit of children in Washington State and El Salvador.
First Annual Gala Dinner
As requests for help grew faster than personal resources could cover, Aminta invited friends, neighbors, and volunteers to join the mission. In mid-October 2024, the team set an ambitious goal: host a First Annual Gala Dinner. On December 12, 2024, that vision became reality — a landmark fundraiser that launched a historic tradition.
First Annual Gala Dinner
As requests for help grew faster than personal resources could cover, Aminta invited friends, neighbors, and volunteers to join the mission. In mid-October 2024, the team set an ambitious goal: host a First Annual Gala Dinner. On December 12, 2024, that vision became reality — a landmark fundraiser that launched a historic tradition.
2nd Annual Gala
On November 1, 2025, the 2nd Annual Gala exceeded all expectations, raising over $8,500 through the generosity of sponsors, donors, and dedicated volunteers. These funds supported Fundación Fundas mi Futuro, local soccer schools, and individual young athletes — directly benefiting over 245 children.
2nd Annual Gala
On November 1, 2025, the 2nd Annual Gala exceeded all expectations, raising over $8,500 through the generosity of sponsors, donors, and dedicated volunteers. These funds supported Fundación Fundas mi Futuro, local soccer schools, and individual young athletes — directly benefiting over 245 children.
Campaign: A Healthy Life With a Fair Standard of Living
Looking to the future, the Foundation launches its 2026 campaign — 'Una Vida Sana Con un Nivel de Vida Justa' — with a commitment to sponsor families, children, and sports programs through monthly and individual contributions.
Campaign: A Healthy Life With a Fair Standard of Living
Looking to the future, the Foundation launches its 2026 campaign — 'Una Vida Sana Con un Nivel de Vida Justa' — with a commitment to sponsor families, children, and sports programs through monthly and individual contributions.