On Friday, December 4, 2021, Felix Castillo was honored with the Outstanding Youth Philanthropy Award from AFP Chicago. He humbly accepted this award and spoke about how he hopes that his company's mission inspires others to give back just like his mom and Grandma Toni inspired him. To watch the ceremony, please visit https://youtu.be/ganmUHg1OO4at time stamp 7:30 to 11:30.
With his family walking beside him, Felix proudly donates $500 to MD Anderson's Boot Walk to #EndCancer in Houston, TX on behalf of his company.
Felix was thankful to his customers who purchased cookies in October and made this donation possible. Every dollar, 100% of the funds, he raised supports MD Anderson, the global leader in fighting cancer. Discoveries at MD Anderson lead to new treatment standards everywhere, giving all those touched by cancer the best chance for survival.
Felix was featured by The Disney Channel and Disney Radio as a young Latino making a difference in his community. The segment was part of the Usa Tu Voz campaign during Hispanic Heritage Month. Check it out!
What was to be saved to build a new manufacturing facility in San Antonio, TX, Felix decided to donate a portion of his build out fund to donate to The San Antonio Food Bank. During the pandemic, this amazing organization has help feed 40,000 more families that then typically do. It was an honor for Felix to present Eric Cooper, CEO of the SA Food Bank, with a check worth 7,000 meals to be distributed.
After calling upon his Facebook fans to nominate a local charity in the San Antonio area, God's Dog Rescue stood out and became Felix's next charity to support. A portion of his September 2017 cookies sales was donated to this south Texas organization. Felix's donation will help their efforts to rescue and foster abused, abandoned, and neglected dogs until they can find their "furever" homes nationwide.
Felix launched a quick fundraiser via his website in efforts to raise money for those facing hard times during the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. Felix has deep Texas roots and he truly could not sit back just watching the devastation so many had suffered. In a Facebook post, Felix wrote..
"Dear Customers, To help our family, friends, customers, and anyone living on the Texas coast, we will be donating 50% of our sales over the next 3 days to benefit the Red Cross of the TX Gulf Coast. A lot of help is needed!!! Please help us help those who are in need!!! We will be doing more for TX in the upcoming weeks but we want to do this ASAP before we fly out to Texas later this week. #prayfortexas#houstonstrong#redcross#felixsfamouscookies"
It was with great honor for Felix Castillo to be listed as Chicago 1871's Next Generation of Entrepreneurs You Should Know. Felix was one of a group of young founders who have built businesses, broken molds, and paved the way for future entrepreneurs everywhere. From apps to AI to culinary creations, the young entrepreneurs turned bright ideas into reality. During this one day event, Felix shared his perspective on his own business, lessons learned, and unique journey.