OUR HISTORY

OUR INSPIRATION: Mrs. Nancy Ann Mendiburu

The Family & Our Community Team

Nancy's unique spirit and legacy lives on through Mendiburu Magic, and the dedicated efforts of many volunteers who generously donate their own time and money to further our cause to help needy community programs and area families who struggle with the effects of a child affected by any life-threatening or catastrophic illness.  She always told us to remember other people that were sick and especially children that were losing precious life.  As mentioned, her humble ways and her endless compassion, humility, integrity, and amazing thoughtfulness will shine from within this non-profit organization.  We will strive to help others in her name and we will continue to fight for a cure for cancer.

As United States Senator Ted Kennedy once said, "...we know so well, the passage of time never really heals the tragic memory of such a great loss, but we carry on, because we have to, because our loved ones would want us to, and because there is still light to guide us in the world from the love they gave us."

At the age of 54, Nancy Ann Mendiburu lost her six year battle with ovarian cancer (clear cell adenocarcinoma) on June 19, 2000 and is now survived by her husband of thirty (30) years, Juanito Mendiburu and two sons, John Gary and Brian.  Nancy's youngest son, Brian, was the founder of the organization and John has served in an array of formal capacities since our inception (Board Secretary, VP of Operations, etc...).  Since 2004, Brian's wife Valerie has served as Vice-Chair and VP of Public Affairs for Mendiburu Magic Foundation.  Nancy's four sisters and one brother all live in California as well-and the siblings serve as Advisory Board Members and have an active and vital role in its daily operation.

Besides keeping the books and running the family business since 1981, Mrs. Nancy Mendiburu worked at Alternative Programs Incorporation and Mesa Verde Correctional Facility in Bakersfield, California until her passing.  The ownership and management teams of API were awesome to her and she could not put into words how highly she thought of them all there! 

The Juan Mendiburu Sheep Company was owned and operated by the family from 1981-2005; before Juan reluctantly retired July 1, 2005 at the age of 70.  Mr. Juanito Mendiburu still remains very active in the daily operation of this foundation; and still serves on the President's Advisory Committee today.  The foundation is ran by a Governing Board of Directors (Trustees, Board Members, and a President's Advisory Committee), and General Community Advisory Board, 65 members of our surrounding area from varied professional sectors including lawyers, doctors, dentists, business owners, corporate executives, non-profit executives, real estate professionals/developers, education principals, sports marketing agents, health-care professionals, teachers, social workers, financial planners, elected officials, and law enforcement.

We thank you for your interest in this organization.  The entire team at Mendiburu Magic looks forward to hearing from you and we always welcome feedback as well!  Be sure to visit these links to the right of this very page, and see all of the wonderful local, state-wide, and national resources available.