PHOENIX, ARIZONA - The Awareness Corporation, headed by CEO Mark Tahiliani, contributes to the World Vision Guatemala program. The Tahiliani and his company have sponsored a Guatemalan boy named Jose since 1997.

Jose lives in a small farming community where they grow corn and sorghum. In addition to helping Jose, contributions from the Awareness Corporation also help fund health, education, and the economic development of the community.

Children are given health exams, as well as treatments to de-worm and de-louse them. They also get fluoride treatments for their teeth and vitamins supplements for better overall health. Each member of the boy's family also receives the same health treatments.

Financial contributions also help raise the educational level of the community by teaching adult literacy, building classrooms, acquiring necessary school supplies, and increasing attendance levels by paying registration fees.

Now 11 years old, Jose is in good health and attends a primary school in his community, where his favorite subject is art, particularly drawing. Since 1997, some small samples of Jose's artwork have come with his progress updates, as well as handwritten letters and photos.

Through the World Vision program, the sponsored children in Jose's community have all received medical attention, as well as school supplies and backpacks. Families in the community and surrounding areas have also benefited from improved housing, agricultural training, as well as community planning and oversight committees.

"This is such an important and worthwhile cause," Mark Tahiliani said. "The feeling you get from helping a small community improve itself it amazing, but knowing that our donations help educate and enrich the lives of children is especially gratifying. We've donated and sponsored children through the World Vision program for several years and we will continue to do so well into the future because we know we are making a difference."