Elias and Georgette Bedewi Memorial Fund

Honor a legacy of resilience, generosity, and the enduring power of education.

Believe in Belize created this memorial fund to honor the extraordinary lives of Elias and Georgette Bedewi, the parents of our co-founder, Nabil. Together, they embodied strength, loyalty, compassion, and an unwavering dedication to family and community.

Born in Egypt in the early 1930s, Dr. and Mrs. Bedewi were married for 60 years. Their lives spanned tremendous hardship and historic change, including World War II, four Arab-Israeli wars, and two Gulf wars. Through it all, they remained resilient, warm-hearted, and deeply committed to helping others build better lives.

They held a profound belief in the value of education, a principle reflected in their own family, where all three of their children went on to earn doctorate degrees. Their impact extended far beyond their family as they supported and uplifted those around them with kindness, encouragement, and generosity.

Elias passed away in 2016 and Georgette in 2019, both from pulmonary fibrosis. This fund ensures that their memory lives on through meaningful support for the work of Believe in Belize.

The Gabrial Family Education Endowment

Expanding access to education and opportunity for future generations.

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This endowment was established by Charles and Irina Gabrial as an expression of gratitude for the blessings their family has received—and a commitment to sharing those blessings with others. At the heart of their vision is a deep belief that education is a foundation for individual growth, opportunity, and a stronger, more prosperous society.

Inspired by their daughters, Helena and Antonia, this fund reflects a family-wide passion for service and giving. Even at a young age, Helena and Antonia have demonstrated a meaningful commitment to helping others, recognizing both the privilege of their own education and the importance of extending that opportunity to students in need.

Helena shares that learning about the challenges others face has strengthened her determination to make a difference. She believes that education provides the foundation for life choices and that every student deserves the resources to continue learning. Antonia, equally inspired, has taken an active role in supporting students in Belize, including contributing to efforts that expanded internet access during the COVID-19 pandemic and volunteering her time for tutoring.

Together, their family’s vision is clear: to help ensure that students in Belize have the access, tools, and support they need to learn, grow, and thrive.

David Kafka Health & Community Endowment

Advancing health services and strengthening communities across Belize.

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This endowment was established by David Kafka, whose journey to Belize began with a search for a better quality of life and evolved into a deep commitment to serving the country he now calls home. After a successful career as a Firefighter/Engineer in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, and later as the owner of a thriving landscaping business, David made the life-changing decision to relocate to Belize in 2009 with his family.

Since then, he has become a dedicated community leader, entrepreneur, and advocate for meaningful impact. As Broker/Owner of RE/MAX 1st Choice and founder of Caribbean Capital Group, David has helped others invest in Belize while building a life rooted in purpose and connection.

Giving back has always been central to his mission. Through his work and partnerships, David has supported local law enforcement with critical equipment, contributed to emergency services, and played a role in strengthening public safety infrastructure. He is an active volunteer with the Placencia Volunteer Fire Department, serves on the Fire Board helping to develop new stations and the region’s first trauma center, and has contributed to national efforts such as donating fire trucks to Belize in partnership with Believe in Belize and the U.S. Air Force.