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Monique Vobecky started the Little Sunshine Foundation as a 14-year-old. Now she attends Harvard University in her quest to become a neurosurgeon

By Anna Rodriquez, California Business Journal

Monique Vobecky, the daughter of a Haitian mother and an American father of Czech-German heritage, always wanted to help others who are under-resourced and whose lives can take a dramatic turn for the better thanks to assistance from organizations like the one she founded, The Little Sunshine Foundation, when she was 14 years old.

Monique is now a freshman at Harvard, studying to become a neurosurgeon.

“Our mission,” she says, “is to provide underprivileged youth in the community the necessary resources to improve their quality of life through literacy and sports programs while also providing an avenue to train young adults on how to help to their community because every child deserves a little sunshine.”

The Foundation offers literacy programs, sports programs and a youth ambassador program that have all been improving young lives for five years.

The Little Sunshine Foundation had a fundraiser to benefit underprivileged children at The Bidwell Forum in Glendora. For individuals unable to make it, you may send a donation directly to https://www.littlesunshine.org/ or through PayPal at this link. You may inquire further about the Foundation’s next live event through admin@littlesunshine.org or 626-210-5971. Proceeds go to school supplies and scholarships.

Monique Vobecky. Photo from San Gabriel Valley Tribune

Entertainment at this year’s event was provided by comedians Regina “After Five” Ivery; Keith “Look Around” Morris and Dexter Smiles; Nick Alexander, an actor from New York City, who has a debut comedy album set to be released this year entitled “What Happened to Nick Alexander?”; and DJ Afrocah.

The Little Sunshine Foundation has developed three programs in furtherance of its mission. The Foundation’s Literacy Program provides disadvantaged kindergarten to eighth grade students with new or gently used books as well as reading tools to improve reading proficiency.

The Sports Program provides support services to disadvantaged youth, ages 4 to 18 years of age, that allow them access to play sports. The sports program provides youth with athletic shoes, athletic equipment, and financial support for uniforms and sporting fees.

The Youth Ambassador Program provides opportunities for youth to contribute to their communities in a meaningful way. Involving youth as partners in this mission empowers them with leadership opportunities and helps them become empathetic, reflective individuals, setting them on a course to becoming community leaders.