Our Story
The Merida Foundation, founded in December 2003 by Dorothy and Rudy Lemke, is dedicated to uplifting the descendants of the ancient Mayan people in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. With roots tracing back to the 1970s, Dorothy Lemke began her mission by providing eyeglasses to the visually impaired in rural villages. The foundation continues this legacy by making 2-3 trips to Merida each year, distributing glasses and supporting nutrition projects for undernourished school children.