Michael D. Cervantes Impossible Dream Fund
Michael D. Cervantes was born and raised in Southern California and had a serious passion for life and family. At the young age of 38, despite being in excellent condition and an avid triathlete, Michael suddenly passed away due to a rare heart condition, cutting short what was already shaping to be a transformational life. Professionally, Michael dedicated his skills to projects that would help to accomplish what he often described as his ‘impossible dream,’ alluding to the famous song from Don Quixote’s performance in Man of La Mancha. In the epic tale, Don Quixote is challenged to explain his passion for such lofty and dreamy quests. Quixote responds by singing “The Impossible Dream” by Joe Darion.
To dream the impossible dream
To fight the unbeatable foe
To bear with unbearable sorrow
To run where the brave dare not go
To right the unrightable wrong…
To reach the unreachable star.
-Don Quixote
Michael’s impossible dream was to save the world through sustainably designed architecture. He was committed to this quest and it is the purpose of the Michael D. Cervantes Impossible Dream Fund to continue his legacy by funding scholarships and other enterprises that encourage California’s youth to explore energy-efficient architecture, sustainable design and its unique intersection with affordable housing. Though this fund will prioritize supporting programs that assist students who have a passion for design and architecture, it may also be applied towards individuals who find a unique solution to accomplish Michael’s “impossible dream.”
Michael grew up in Diamond Bar, California graduated from UC Berkeley, and started his family in Long Beach, California in 2009. During his studies, Michael spent time volunteering for Habitat for Humanity International and attended Princeton University as a part of the prestigious Ford-Melon Summer Research Program. His wife Martha, son Mateo, parents George and Rose Cervantes, three brothers, and a host of other loving family and friends survive Michael. We thank you for your contribution and for helping to further Michael’s legacy.
This Fund is a component fund at the Long Beach Community Foundation established by an individual. Unless you choose to make your gift anonymous, details of your contribution (including your name, contact information, and amount of gift) will be shared with the Fund contacts, who could include the individual who created the Fund and/or the nonprofit beneficiary.
How You Can Help
Make a donation today. Your contribution receives a full tax deduction and goes directly towards the Michael D. Cervantes “Impossible Dream” Fund.
Use the secure form below to make an online donation. We appreciate your support!
Contributions By Check
Check donations may be mailed to Long Beach Community Foundation, 400 Oceangate, Suite 800, Long Beach, CA 90802. Please make check payable to “Long Beach Community Foundation” and write “Michael D. Cervantes Impossible Dream Fund” in the memo section of your check.
Contributions By Credit Card
In the secure form below, please select a donation amount. If you do not see your designated amount listed, please select ‘Other’ and type in the amount of your choice.
100% of your donation is deductible for income tax purposes, but a credit card service charge of about 3% will be deducted from your donation. You may want to consider increasing the amount of your donation to cover this necessary cost.
Terms
I understand that, as required by the Internal Revenue Service, Long Beach Community Foundation has exclusive legal control over this contribution. I also understand my contact information may be provided to the fund advisors/owners for acknowledgment purposes.