The History of ESH
The Vision of East Side Heroes was born, in 2003, within the imagination of its’ sole-Founder: Enrique S. Flores. Enrique’s desire was to duplicate and “pay forward” the type of assistance he himself received throughout his life from the Jesuit Community, namely: 1.) Academic Scholarships; 2.) Mentorship; and 3.) Leadership Development.
With the support of college students, elected officials, educators, families, corporate sponsorships, and the media, East Side Heroes was remarkably able to raise over $125,000 dollars, within its’ the first 5 years in operation. East Side Heroes became the 1st nonprofit in the San Francisco Bay Area to offer scholarships to students enrolled in private high schools.
True to its word, 98% of all donations received went directly to cover tuition costs of low-income mentees whom have chosen to pursue a college-prep education. (The other 2% went towards basic operating costs, such as maintaining the East Side Heroes’ website). Currently, seven East Side Heroes’ Scholarships students are attending and achieving academic success at: Notre Dame High School, Archbishop Mitty High School, and Bellarmine College Preparatory.
In the Spring of 2009, East Side Heroes’ will be celebrating its’ 7th year of service, celebrating our current graduates at our 7th Annual East Side Heroes’ Student-Achievement Banquet. Each year, East Side Heroes proceeds with faith – faith in the belief that sufficient volunteers, friends, and supporters will generously offer their Time, Talent, and Treasure to continue actualizing our goals, mission, and motto to create the compassionate leaders of tomorrow.