Donor Spotlight: Kimberly Aquino

We recently sat down with long-time donor Kimberly Aquino, to talk about what has kept her connected to Advokids for the past 10 years. Inspired by our mission from the very beginning, Kim has become a dedicated advocate and donor. In her capacity as Senior Vice President at Bailard, Inc., Kim regularly introduces her clients and corporate connections to Advokids, extending our reach and impact across California. 

Can you take me back to the moment you first decided to support Advokids? What
aspect of our mission specifically resonated with your personal values?

I am a mom of two sons. We are blessed with the ability to provide a life for them where they know they are loved, secure, and have a safe space to come home to. I wish this for every child but know it is not a reality for many. One area our family’s giving focuses on is helping under-privileged and under-resourced children. Advokids’ mission to protect the rights, safety and security of foster children, aligns beautifully with something we care deeply about. Foster children are among the most vulnerable in our communities and they deserve love and support from the adults in their lives.

Looking back over your years of support, which specific initiative or story made you
feel the most proud to partner in our work?

The most powerful and prideful moments for me are when I hear the stories of foster parents, caregivers, and advocates who have partnered with Advokids to help stabilize a child’s placement and potentially reunite them with loving family members or caregivers. For example, the story told at this year’s gala by the two women who, with Advokids’ help, jointly advocated for years to reunite a little girl with her brothers and loving caregivers exemplifies the incredible work you are doing. It exemplifies the power of the organization’s services and the immense care it has for each child it touches. It was moving and awe inspiring to learn about people who go above and beyond to help children in the foster care system.

In your view, why is our current work more critical now than it was five years ago?

In the post-pandemic era, non-profits and social services are generally contending with more challenges chief among them being decreases in funding that drive really difficult trade-offs and staffing decisions. It is an era of having to do more with less. For Advokids specifically, I imagine there are additional challenges within the court system and navigating ever-changing, and complex laws that affect your work now more than ever.

If you were speaking to someone considering their first gift to Advokids, what would
you tell them about the Social Return on Investment (SROI) you’ve experienced as a
donor?

When I think about the social return on our investment in Advokids, I realize our support doesn’t just fund Advokids services—it helps provide a voice to children who would otherwise be unheard. It helps the most vulnerable kids secure permanent, safe and caring homes rather than living in a multitude of unstable environments. This not only impacts the children today but has benefits to their trajectory in life. Helping provide a positive environment and foundation for a child pays dividends as they grow into adulthood. Advokids plays a key role in the lives of many children who may otherwise fall through the
cracks.