08Aug2025

Making a Difference Building Dreams Creating Impact Saving Lives

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Contacts

HEAD OFFICE:                          548 Market Street,
San Francisco, CA 94104         USA

PROJECT OFFICE:                  Pearl Condo, Bldg A, 15 Fl., Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd.,      Yangon, Myanmar

hello@marykyapfoundation.org

US: +1 415 991 2030                 US: +1 415 799 8282                    MM: +95 9 977 66 7777

Tag: hopeforchildren

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INDIVIDUAL SPOTLIGHT

Bridgit Claire: A Heart for a Change

Bridgit Mendler: A Heart for Change

#Born on December 18, 1992, in Washington, D.C., Bridgit Claire Mendler is the daughter of Sandra Ford-Mendler and Charles Mendler. She rose to fame as an American actress, singer, and songwriter—gaining popularity through her roles in Disney Channel productions and her distinctive voice in pop music. But beyond her talent in the entertainment industry, Bridgit has proven herself as a compassionate and committed advocate for social causes, particularly those involving children and youth.

Promoting Education, Literacy, and Environmental Awareness

In 2010, Mendler became an ambassador for First Book, an initiative focused on promoting literacy by providing books to children in need. Her involvement was part of Disney’s Friends for Change, a pro-social campaign encouraging environmental responsibility and charitable action among youth.

As part of this movement, Mendler released a promotional single titled “We Can Change the World” on June 11, 2011. The uplifting anthem became the campaign’s theme song and helped raise $250,000 for the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund—supporting environmental protection efforts around the globe. Her contribution not only inspired fans to take action but also reflected her deep commitment to making a positive difference.

Mendler said, “It’s an easy way for kids to help little ones everywhere get a healthy start and an opportunity to learn just by doing something they do most weekends anyway.”

In 2012, Mendler was honored with the Role Model of the Year Award by Common Sense Media for her active stance against bullying. As the third young artist to ever receive the award—typically given to environmentalists and scholars—her recognition highlighted her influence as a youth leader promoting kindness, respect, and inclusion.

Her advocacy didn’t stop there. In January 2013, she participated in the UNICEF acoustic charity concert held in New York, using her platform to raise funds and awareness for vulnerable children around the world. Her work continued through various public engagements focused on children’s health, online safety, and mental well-being.

A Voice for the Voiceless

Throughout her career, Mendler has remained engaged in initiatives that go beyond the spotlight. She took part in campaigns to end cyberbullying, joined a charity race supporting children’s medical needs in under-resourced countries, and contributed to the Bay Sit-In project—an initiative encouraging teens to give parents a break while promoting early childhood care. She also represented Save the Children during its Annual Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C., where she spoke on behalf of underserved communities and advocated for global child welfare policies.

Bridgit Claire Mendler continues to exemplify what it means to use fame and influence for good. Her artistic journey may have earned her acclaim, but it’s her commitment to meaningful causes that truly sets her apart. In both her advocacy and actions, Mendler reflects the very heart of the Mary K. Yap Foundation’s mission—to serve and uplift the lives of orphaned and vulnerable children with compassion, dignity, and hope. By standing up for the voiceless and supporting global initiatives that prioritize child welfare, she embodies the spirit of service that our foundation holds dear. We recognize Bridgit not only as an accomplished artist but as a true ally in advancing the well-being and future of children who need it most.

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CORPORATE NEWS

Founder’s HNY Message of Gratitude

Happy New Year to all our friends and supporters

January 8, 2020

Dear Friends,

Happy New Year to all our friends and supporters,

We hope 2020 is off to a joyful and fulfilling start for you and your loved ones. As we reflect on the past year, we are pleased to share with you the progress and achievements of the Mary K. Yap Foundation, including a significant milestone in our mission to uplift orphan communities.

In mid 2018, we entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Mandalay Productions LLC (MP) for the production of Myittar—a heartfelt charity film designed to raise global awareness of the struggles faced by orphaned children in Myanmar. This powerful storytelling project is not merely a film, but a vehicle for advocacy, education, and charitable outreach. All proceeds from Myittar are committed to supporting orphan relief, education programs, and wellness initiatives that improve the lives of underserved children.

Over the course of two years, our foundation has worked closely with Mandalay Productions to bring this international collaboration to life. We are deeply grateful to Edward Thaung, George Rush, and Gabriel Jack for their invaluable legal guidance, which allowed us to bring esteemed Myanmar artists to the United States under the O-1 visa program. Principal photography officially began on February 17, 2019, across multiple U.S. locations, and later continued in Yangon, Myanmar. This production marks a historic first: Myanmar Academy Award-winning talents Htun Eindra Bo and Lumin filmed scenes on American soil, led by our award-winning Hollywood director Graham Streeter, producer and AD Alex Lebosq, and cinematographer Nicholas Burress. We are also honored to have Peter K. Yap, my beloved son, serve as the film’s Executive Producer. His dedication, vision, and behind-the-scenes leadership have been instrumental in bringing this international project to life. Working closely with Director Graham Streeter, Peter helped oversee coordination between the U.S. and Myanmar teams, ensuring the film stayed true to its cultural authenticity and humanitarian purpose. 

We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to Grace Swe Zin Htike, our dedicated Myanmar Unit Director, whose coordination with the Myanmar Motion Picture Development Office and the Film Development Center made it possible to complete the Myanmar production. Without her tireless efforts and commitment, this film would not have reached the level of excellence it has today. Our sincere thanks to Skyline College in San Bruno, California, for graciously providing access to their theater facilities, and for celebrating the importance of this charity film with us.

To close the year, our foundation sponsored joyful holiday events at three orphanages in Myanmar—providing meals, desserts, games, and a stuffed toy for each child to hold onto during the festive season. These moments embody the very spirit of Myittar, which in Burmese means “love and ompassion.” As we move into 2020, we look ahead with hope and excitement as we prepare to complete post-production, with a planned release in the second half of 2021.

On behalf of our Board of Directors, we extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who believes in our mission. Your continued support allows us to provide not only essential resources but also a sense of dignity, love, and hope to orphaned children. Together, we are making a lasting difference—one story, one child, one act of kindness at a time.

With warmest regards,

Mary K. Yap
Founder

Mary K. Yap Foundation Board of Directors”