There is comfort in rituals. One of my favorites is the Christmas Eve candlelight service, during which, for about an hour, it feels like peace on earth might be achievable.

Today, the Little Things Matter Foundation carries Barry’s vision forward through the work of his wife, Debora, who is committed to turning donations into well-being for communities in need. Now, thanks to donor Mary Breunig, Debora is even closer to her goal.

In this Q&A, Mary shares a bit of her own story and what motivates her to support this work.

This artistic neighborhood in San Miguel is the home away from home to Debora Annino, co-founder of the Little Things Matter Foundation. Debora and her late husband Barry created the non-profit after Barry’s terminal diagnosis.

Their story, as told in their co-authored memoir Little Things Matter: A Story of Suffering, Survival and Legacy, chronicles their journey into forming an organization to bring opportunities and well-being to Hispanic communities, a mission that stemmed from spending summer vacations as a family in San Miguel, a tradition they began in 2008.