R-lene Mijares de Lang

When R–lene Mijares de Lang moved back home to help her mother run the family business, Pasadena Institution Mijares Mexican Restaurant, she knew she wanted to be involved in her local community. "I was a school teacher in the Bay Area, but my mom needed help here," R–lene shares. "I had commuted for years, and I said, ‘Mom, when I move back I also want to be involved in the community.' She said, if you do anything, do it for Villa."

For over 25 years R–lene and her husband, Gordon, have been a vital force for good, supporting a number of organizations including the Pasadena Community Foundation and Huntington Hospital. R–lene remains dedicated to Villa as her first passion and recalls that when her son Derek was growing up, whenever he saw an individual with developmental disabilities he would proudly say, "Mom, there are your friends!" For Villa's children, adults, and seniors, R–lene has been more than a friend—in fact, in 2004 she was honored with Villa's Guardian Angel award in recognition of her tireless efforts to support Villa clients as a volunteer, donor, and advocate.

After her many years of service—from joining the Tournament of Hope Committee, to serving on Villa's Board and Capital Campaign Cabinet—the choice to make a lasting contribution to Villa was easy for R–lene. "I called my insurance agent and said I want to make Villa a beneficiary on my life insurance policy and give to an organization that will constantly serve." With a single phone call, R–lene joined Villa's growing Legacy of Hope Society, a group comprised of individuals who wish to leave Villa a lasting gift. R–lene hopes that her legacy of philanthropy will serve as an example to future generations. "It started with my grandmother," R–lene explains. "She was extremely generous to our family, church, and the wider community. She said as long as you have food, feed people. If you give someone money, give it with your heart or don't give it at all." We thank the de Lang family for their commitment to Villa and their unwavering support of our children, adults, and seniors.