Making a Difference ●Building Dreams ● Creating Impact ● Saving Lives
February 14, 2024 – San Francisco, CA – Launching a unified movement to uplift orphaned children, the Nine Campaigns initiative spans educational access (#Each1TeachOne, #H.S.Diploma, #Road2Digital), social nourishment (#NourishHope, #TeddyBear4Hold), and 2025 efforts for clean water, sustainable gardens, and vaccinations (#H20Hope, #FirstSeed, #LifeLine). Read More +
January 26, 2024 – Paing Htet Kha, a 22-year-old student and freelance English tutor from Yangon, shares how volunteering at a Christmas 2023 orphanage event in Thanlyin—organized by the Mary K. Yap Foundation—deeply transformed him, teaching valuable life lessons in empathy, leadership, and teamwork while also reinforcing his commitment to building a more compassionate and inclusive society. #hopeforallorphans Read More +
January 02, 2024 – Thanlyin, Yangon, Myanmar – On New Year’s 2024, we celebrated with 50 children from vulnerable families at St. Francis Xavier Church in Thanlyin, sharing joy, music, and hope—thanks to the enduring support of Father Nyan Myint. Read More +
December 25, 2023 –Yangon, Myanmar – We celebrated the festive season with the ‘Little Chefs Cookout Festival’ at St. Francis Xavier Church in Thanlyin, where, alongside Chief Chef Ma Lay and 16 volunteers, Foundation Orphanage Ambassador Meme Lwin helped inspire 40 children to explore the culinary world and dream of becoming future chefs. Read More +
July 8, 2023 – The Foundation is pleased to share our second highlight of an orphan story, told in her own words—featuring Teophine, who reflects on her journey from surviving a devastating storm in Myanmar to finding strength, purpose, and hope as she begins her first work experience in the UAE; we first featured her story two years ago, in March 2021. Read More +
April 15, 2023 – Foundation Executive Director Peter K. Yap and Ghanaian Orphanage Ambassador Danny Mainoo visited the Royal Seed Home Orphanage in Kwaboanta, Ghana—a longstanding institution supporting 100 orphaned children for 20 years—to deliver the Foundation’s first donation and begin planning the development of the country’s inaugural, fully equipped E-Learning Center for youth empowerment. #hopeforallorphans
April 15, 2023 – Accra, Ghana – Afro dancing is a unique talent joyfully shared by two Ghanaian grown-up orphan girls from the Royal Seed Home with our Orphanage Ambassador, Nana Danny Mainoo. The two young girls recently graduated from a vocational school and dream of becoming successful future entertainers. #hopeforallorphans
April 7, 2023 – Foundation Board Member Dr. Jean-Luc Kouyoumji, Executive Director Peter K. Yap, Program Manager Meme Lwin, and Architect Julien Barchi held their inaugural Zoom discussion to explore innovative design and development options for an E-Learning Children’s Center for Myanmar orphanages, focusing on the sustainable use of the country’s bamboo resources to create an eco-friendly, functional, and inspiring learning environment. #hopeforallorphans
February 19, 2023 – Bangkok, Thailand – Foundation Program Manager Meme Lwin embarked on the organization’s inaugural visit to Bangkok, Thailand, to explore and establish partnerships with the Islamic Center, which provides care and shelter for Muslim orphans, marking a significant step toward expanding our support to diverse orphan communities. #hopeforallorphans
January 18, 2023 – Volunteer Htwe Nandar Aung reflects on a heartfelt journey—from a scorching bus ride in Yangon that reignited memories of her first water donation effort during a 2013 drought, to a recent joyful visit to an orphanage in Thanlyin Township—where she found deep meaning in the simple, selfless acts of giving, reminding us all that true charity lies not in wealth but in the willingness to care. #hopeforallorphans Read More +
July 24, 2022 – Yangon, Myanmar – At the Hope Orphanage in Yangon, Myanmar, our Program Manager, Meme Lwin, accompanied by dedicated community volunteers, donated rice to support the children’s daily needs and spent a meaningful day engaging with the children, learning about their hopes and dreams, and inspiring them to aspire toward brighter futures. Read More +
July 21, 2022 – Yangon, Myanmar – The Foundation proudly received an official endorsement letter from the Roman Catholic Church of Myanmar, personally acknowledged by His Grace Cardinal Charles Bo, in recognition of the Foundation’s “A Hope for All Orphans” Movie for Charity project—an initiative dedicated to uplifting and supporting orphanage communities across Myanmar through awareness, compassion, and sustainable impact. Read More +
June 8, 2022 – The Foundation is pleased to share the story of 20-year-old Naw Yu Nadi Lin, who grew up at Myittar Mon Orphanage and now works in the UAE, where she’s doing her best to support others in need—a heartfelt journey of resilience, gratitude, and giving back, shaped by the love, guidance, and belief of Sisters and supporters who helped her along the way. Read More +
May 22, 2022 – Cannes, France, Foundation Board Member Dr. Jean Luc Kouyoumjian and his wife, Josephine, attended the Marché du Film Festival to initiate preparations for the international promotion of the Foundation’s first Movie for Charity project, furthering global awareness and support for orphanage communities. #hopeforallorphans Read More +
April 22, 2022 – San Francisco, CA – The Foundation’s Board of Directors, adapting to the new norm of remote meetings during the COVID period, convened to outline impactful five-year plans focused on establishing innovative E-Learning Centers and Clean Water Initiatives through strategic partnerships with the private sector. #hopeforallorphans
March 23, 2022 – Yangon, Myanmar – The Foundation’s film partner, Mandalay Productions, received the official Film Censorship Certificate from the MMPDO’s Censorship Board, granting final approval and nationwide theatrical release clearance for our first charity film, Myittar, which tells a moving story of love, hope, and resilience. #hopeforallorphans
March 06, 2022 – Bangkok, Thailand – After a two-year COVID-19 delay, the Foundation’s film partner, Mandalay Production LLC, successfully completed final post-production edits of our anticipated charity film—including Dolby 7.1 sound, multilingual subtitles, and DCP creation—with proceeds from ticket sales and global streaming dedicated to supporting vital orphanage programs and long-term empowerment initiatives worldwide. #unbrokenties
December 31, 2021 – During a recent visit to Parami Orphanage in Dala Township, Yangon Region, the Foundation observed the orphanage’s commitment to sustainability through its small-scale garden—capable of producing daily essentials to help nourish the children and maintain self-sufficiency—and is now exploring opportunities to support Parami and similar orphanages in expanding their sustainable gardening programs for long-term impact. #FirstSeed Read More +
September 5, 2021 – We celebrate the life of Mr. Edward Thaung, who served as a valued board member of the Foundation from 2018 to 2021, where he providing indispensable legal advice on all regulatory affairs and compliance matters in Myanmar, significantly contributing to the organization’s governance and integrity. Read More +
June 4, 2020 – In Shawpyithar, Yangon, the Foundation provides monthly rice donations to Gailee Orphanage, where Pastor Saw, founder and gatekeeper, lovingly cares for 33 children—including 15 orphans aged 4 to 16—with generous support covering up to six full months of essential nourishment and daily sustenance needs. #nourishhope
August 13, 2019 – The Foundation is pleased to announce that the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has officially granted approval for the legal rights and trademark protection of the Mary K. Yap Foundation logo, proudly recognizing it as a registered symbol of our mission, values, and organizational identity worldwide. #hopeforallorphans
July 2, 2019 – The Foundation is proud to present the opening scene of our first Movie for Charity project, Myittar (also known as Unbroken Ties), filmed at the Sacred Heart Church in Kyauktan, Thanlyin, in a real orphanage setting with an authentic cast of orphaned children, aiming to share a message of love, hope, and support for their advancement, with the film scheduled to complete post-production by the end of 2019. #unbrokenties
March 2, 2019 – The Foundation, in partnership with our film production house Mandalay Productions, hosted a “Meet the Stars” Movie for Charity event at Skyline College in San Bruno, CA, where Foundation Chairman, Dr. John Palmer and Executive Producer Peter K. Yap were joined by cast and crew members Htun Eindra Bo, Gin Mung, May Maung, and Meme Lwin (script supervisor) to connect with supporters and celebrate the mission behind the film. Read More +
December 22, 2018 – The Foundation proudly hosted its 3rd Annual TeddyBear4Hold celebration at the Myittar Mon all-girls orphanage in Hmawbi, Yangon—a heartwarming, day-long get-together filled with shared laughter, warm hugs, and joyful memories, as volunteers and children came together in the spirit of care and companionship. #memelwin #TeddyBear4Hold
December 25, 2017 – Yangon, Myanmar – Over 200 children received Christmas presents and their favorite stuffed animals from Santa Claus, portrayed by English teacher Steve Sagenseller, during a joyful and heartwarming celebration at St. Francis Xavier in Thanlyin, Yangon, where our 20-member volunteer team was joined by Myanmar Academy Award winner Auntie Shwe Zin Htaike and Austrian celebrity DJ Anna Red. #hopeforallorphans
August 4, 2017 – Foundation Executive Director Peter K. Yap and volunteer staff member Wai Wai visited Yellow Generation Wave Orphanage in Kyauk Taga Township, Bago Division—an established orphanage located 200 km from the federal capital Naypyidaw—where they donated cash, food, clothing, books, and blankets to support 250 orphaned children. #peterkyap
July 17, 2017 – San Francisco, CA, USA – The 15th Annual Charity Fundraising Fair brought together over 400 friends and family members to support three high school orphan candidates from Myittar Orphanage, with cash contribution, food donors, music, and children’s performances enhancing to a vibrant event focused on funding their final years of education. #H.S.Diploma
December 24, 2016 – During the Christmas holiday, Foundation Ambassador Meme Lwin led the First Annual #TeddyBear4Hold celebration at the all girls MyittarMone Home for orphan children, where 100 teddy bears were gifted alongside a joyful day of reading, creativity, and shared chicken rice meals, refreshments, and desserts. #TeddyBear4Hold
July 9, 2016 – Yangon, Myanmar – During the FOURTEENTH ANNUAL Charity Celebration, Auntie Mary, Founder of the Mary K. Yap Foundation, presented funds from the San Francisco Burmese Community to support the education and well-being of 30 orphaned children at Sacred Heart Church in Sittwe, Rakhine. #hopeforallorphans
April 8, 2016 – The Founder of the Mary K. Yap Foundation, Auntie Mary, along with project staff Zin Marlar and Ko Joseph, graciously welcomed Saya Lay Daw Wunna Thiri—who oversees the care of over 230 youths at the Yandanar Min Za Ri Orphanage and Monastic Education School—and distributed donation funds in support of the children’s well-being. #hopeforallorphans
September 25, 2015- San Francisco, CA – The United Nations launches a new era of Sustainable Development with 17 Global Goals aimed at ending poverty, protecting the planet, and ensuring peace and prosperity for all—an ambitious vision the Mary K. Yap Foundation proudly supports through its aligned mission and ongoing initiatives. #hopeforallorphans
August 1, 2015 – Mary K. Yap, Founder of the Mary K. Yap Foundation, extends her heartfelt gratitude to friends and family whose generous support and presence made the Thirteenth Annual Charity Event in Pyay a meaningful and memorable success. #hopeforallorphans
July 25, 2015 – Daly City, CA, USA – The THIRTEENTH ANNUAL Charity Fund Fair, held at the Little Theater of Serramonte High School, brought together students, families, educators, and community members for a meaningful day of fundraising, cultural celebration, and shared compassion in support of the orphaned children at the Yandanar Min Za Ri Orphanage and Monastic Education School in Myanmar. #hopeforallorphans
November 16, 2014 – 10-year-old Youth Ambassador Serenitee Yap of the Mary K. Yap Foundation visited the “Thi La Wah” all-girls monastic school to joyfully launch the One-Stuffed Animal Project for Every Child and personally deliver meaningful donations supporting the school’s educational growth and holistic development. #TeddyBear4Hold Read More +
June 11, 2014 – The Mary K. Yap Foundation was officially incorporated as a nonprofit organization in the State of Delaware (EIN 47-2687230), with a mission to empower and uplift orphaned children through compassion, education, and opportunity. #HopeForAllOrphans
July 20, 2013 – In Daly City, California, USA the Burmese community gathers for the TWELFTH ANNUAL Cultural and Music Fair at the Little Theater in Serramonte Highschool, featuring performances by children, community leaders, and local artists to celebrate their heritage and raise funds for orphanages in Leiktho, Myanmar. #hopeforallorphans
July 21, 2012 – Daly City, CA, USA – The ELEVENTH ANNUAL Charity Event was held at the Little Theater in Serramonte High School in Daly City, California, in support of the Mary Chapman School, founded in 1920 to serve deaf children and now an inclusive haven for orphaned and abandoned youth of all backgrounds, with this year’s fundraising dedicated to sustaining teacher training and specialized education rooted in care and compassion. #hopeforallorphans
July 30, 2011 – Daly City, California, USA – We celebrated the TENTH ANNUAL Charity Fair proudly held at the Little Theater of Serramonte High School, bringing together compassionate donors and community members to support the monastery in Pwin Oo Lwin Township—located approximately 575 kilometers from Yangon—which houses orphaned children of all ages up to eighteen years old, providing them with essential food, education, and housing to nurture their growth and well-being. #hopeforallorphans
July 31, 2010 – Daly City, California, USA – We celebrate the NINTH ANNUAL Charity Fair proudly held at the Little Theater of Serramonte High School, bringing together generous donors from San Francisco and the Bay Area to support the Orphanage of Pangoo Village, Pathein Diocese, Kanasogone Parish, Myanmar, fostering lasting hope and providing vital assistance for the children, families, and broader community in need. #hopeforallorphans
July 18, 2009 – Daly City, California, USA – The EIGHTH ANNUAL Music and Cultural Charity Fair was warmly held at the Little Theater of Serramonte High School, uniting community members, cultural performers, and compassionate donors in a vibrant celebration dedicated to raising crucial support for the Loikaw Diocese and the surrounding vulnerable children’s communities, fostering hope, empowerment, and lasting positive impact. #hopeforallorphans
July 28, 2008 – Daly City, California, USA – The SEVENTH ANNUAL Music and Cultural Charity Fair was joyfully held at the Little Theater of Serramonte High School, bringing together community members, cultural performers, and generous supporters to raise vital funds in support of the Thu Khi Ta Yama Parahita Monastery in Labutta, Ayeyarwady Division, fostering hope and providing essential aid for orphanages and the wider community. #hopeforallorphans
January 14, 2007 – Daly City, California, USA – We are deeply honored to share the heartfelt Letter of Appreciation from Father Paulinus Mang Ha Gei, who warmly acknowledges the unwavering dedication of Mary K Yap, her family, and friends in organizing the SIXTH ANNUAL Charity Fair—a truly impactful and memorable event that brings hope, strength, and support to the youth and orphaned children of Chin State. #hopeforallorphans
July 29, 2006 – Daly City, California, USA – The SIXTH ANNUAL Music and Cultural Charity Fair was warmly and successfully held at the Little Theater of Serramonte High School, uniting community members, cultural performers, and generous supporters in a vibrant, heartfelt celebration to raise vital funds for the Parish in Mindat, Chin State, fostering lasting hope and empowerment through shared heritage, unity, and compassion. #hopeforallorphans
July 30, 2005 – Daly City, California, USA – The FIFTH ANNUAL Music and Cultural Charity Fair was enthusiastically held at the Little Theater of Serramonte High School to support the St. Joseph Orphanage in ZawGyi Village, Sintgaing Township, Mandalay Division, uniting community members, cultural performers, and donors for a vibrant celebration of heritage and compassion while raising funds to uplift and empower orphaned children. #hopeforallorphans
August 14, 2004 – Daly City, California, USA – The FOURTH ANNUAL Music and Cultural Charity Fair was joyfully held at the Little Theater of Serramonte High School, bringing together community members, cultural performers, and families in a vibrant celebration of culture and unity to support the Jesus, Savior & Lord Orphanage in Ye Township, Mon State, while raising vital funds to uplift and empower the lives of orphaned children with lasting impact. #hopeforallorphans
August 9, 2003 – Daly City, CA, USA – The community came together for a vibrant THIRD ANNUAL Music and Cultural Charity Fair at the Little Theater of Serramonte High School to raise vital funds for St. Francis Xavier’s Church in Hpa-An, Kayin State, supporting the church’s mission to care for needy children while celebrating cultural heritage and faith. #hopeforallorphans
November 16, 2002 –Mandalay Hills, Myanmar – During his first moving visit to a group of orphaned children residing at a peaceful local Buddhist monastery situated in the hills of Mandalay, Peter K. Yap was deeply touched by their serenity, resilience, and spiritual grounding, marking a profound beginning to his heartfelt commitment to support and uplift these young lives through continued compassionate engagement. #hopeforallorphans
July 27, 2002 – Daly City, CA, USA – A heartfelt SECOND ANNUAL Music and Cultural Charity Fair was held at the Little Theater of Serramonte High School in honor of the Phayar Phyu Disabled Children’s Home in Taungyi City, Shan State, uniting the local community, cultural performers, and donors to support the dignity and well-being of children living with disabilities. #disabilities
June 9, 2001 – Daly City, California, USA – The FIRST ANNUAL Charity Fair dedicated to the Orphanage of Saint Francisco of Assisi in Tamwe, Yangon was held at the Little Theater in Serramonte High School, bringing together a compassionate and engaged Burmese community in support of orphaned children through a heartfelt gathering that marked a meaningful step in raising awareness and hope. #hopeforallorphans
