Unite for Awareness, Action & Healing

Thank you to Women in Philanthropy for inviting us to the Grant Awards Luncheon on May 20. We shared how the Foundation used your generous support, and through Matt’s powerful testimony, showed how your help changes lives.

Matt is reaching one year of sobriety. Thank you WIP

St. Gregory the Great Church and youth retreat organizers,

Thank you for the opportunity to share a young man’s testimony of recovery and resilience. Hearing these stories and recognizing the challenges our youth face is essential to prevention and support. It was an honor to participate and contribute to the well-being of your young community.

Thank you to the Berkeley Hall Foundation for your generous grant in support of our upcoming youth project. Your commitment to our mission will make a meaningful impact in the lives of young people in our community.

We are truly grateful for your trust and support.

Thank you, Bargain Box!

We are deeply grateful for believing in the Spirit of Sebastian Foundation from very beginning and for supporting our upcoming 2026 project "One Choice Matters", bringing prevention and hope to students across Beaufort and Jasper County.

Your generosity helps us change lives.

We are deeply grateful to the VanLandingham Rotary Club and Kristin Keller for inviting the Spirit of Sebastian Foundation to share our mission. Thank you for opening your hearts to our story and for the generous donation you made to support our work. Every time someone learns about what we do, we increase the chances of reaching a family or young person in need. We truly appreciate the opportunity to connect with you and for believing in our mission.

We are deeply grateful to Dr. Carlos Cordero, an internal medicine physician, for supporting the Foundation’s mission and granting us this important interview. As parents, we must educate ourselves to better protect our children, especially since even doctor-prescribed medications can lead to dependency. Recognizing warning signs is essential for making timely decisions.

Thank you to Bronx Mind and Keith Fernandez for supporting our projects and recording the interview.

Today was a day of great results ,we met with the new board of the Spirit of Sebastian Foundation, and working together as a team, we had an interview for a grant that gives us hope to launch an incredible project to prevent youth addiction in 2026.

We are deeply grateful to the new board members for their spirit of service and their commitment to stand together in the fight for our mission.

• Tracey Schutz: Events Coordinator

• Brian Doran: Sponsor Coordinator

• Angela Palacio: Volunteers Coordinator

• Yeny Echeverri: Social Media Coordinator

We continue, as from the very beginning, fully committed:

• Joe Sullivan: Vice-President & Founder

• Javier Zimbron: President & Founder

• Ana Zimbron: Accountant, Bookkeeper, Treasurer and Grant Writer

Yesterday we participated for the first time in Expo Conecta, organized by the Hispanic Business Association of the Lowcountry at Bluffton High School. It was a meaningful opportunity to share our mission, connect with the community, and learn about the impact of Hispanic businesses in the area.

Thank you to the organizers for a well-run and inspiring event. We hope even more Hispanic businesses will join the next Expo.

October 11, 2025

Thank you to Beaufort Human Services and Catrina Hanna for the invitation to participate in the Health Fair hosted by New Life Deliverance Temple on St. Helena Island this past June 28.

July11th, 2025

We thank NOC of Hilton Head Island for the invitation to speak to their children and youth in the summer program about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse.

We sincerely thank the Bluffton Rotary Club for supporting our Foundation and awarding us a grant to carry out a vital project for our community: Parent Academy, an educational talk for parents on how to prevent drug and alcohol use among their children. We will be bringing in an expert who travels nationwide offering guidance on this critical issue.

This is a meaningful project that will have a powerful impact. We look forward to sharing more news about this exciting opportunity soon.

Join us for a great event featuring amazing cars, live music by DJ Albert AREA 506 and Jimmy Barrios, delicious food from local vendors, sweet treats, and fun activities for the whole family.

We will have a variety of food options, face painting for kids, and jewelry vendors, along with burgers prepared by Spirit of Sebastian volunteers.

Special thanks to our sponsors: Sal’s Improvements, Billet, Professional Roofing, Hope House, Mia Roofing, Pan Fresco Olé, Jimmy Barrios, and DJ Area 506.

205 Main Street, Hardeeville

May 31st, 2025

9:00 am to 4:00 pm

This documentary is dedicated not only to Sebastián, but to all the young lives tragically lost to the same cause. It is especially for those who, despite the overwhelming grip of fentanyl, never stopped fighting for recovery — even when that chance was painfully taken from them.

Through Sebastián’s story, we confront the harsh reality of addiction and its devastating impact. Yet it is also through his love, his strength, and his enduring spirit that the Spirit of Sebastián Foundation continues its mission.

Every life changed and every step toward recovery stands as a testament to the collective strength and commitment of all who fight for a brighter future. The impact of your work reaches far beyond statistics; it is reflected in every story of resilience, healing, and hope.

February 8th, 2025

Are you ready for the Super Bowl? We have a super delicious Butt pork of approximately 5 pounds for $40. Thank you to F3 for choosing us as the beneficiary of the sales from this event

Our family and our team from The Spirit Of Sebastian foundation are extremely grateful for your service work to our community and thank you for supporting us in our mission to help others recover from their addiction.

Thank you Latitude at Hilton Head.

GIVING DAY

Let’s keep working together to bring hope and support to those who need it most.

December 7, 2024

Great news! The Spirit of Sebastian Foundation won first place in the Bluffton Christmas Parade last Saturday, among 180 participating floats. This recognition is not only for us, but for all the lives lost to the drug epidemic. The “faces of silence” that accompanied us represent the painful reality our community continues to face. We are grateful that our message is being heard.

On behalf of the Spirit of Sebastian Foundation, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who helped and served at last night’s event. Our sincere thanks to the serving team, bar staff, dinner and kitchen team, raffle volunteers, social media support, and everyone who assisted with setup and cleanup. We also thank the businesses and sponsors who contributed to making the evening possible.

A special thank-you to our community for showing up and for your continued support, and to those who were unable to attend but still chose to donate. Your generosity allows us to continue our mission

On October 23rd, we interviewed counselor Don E. Stone about the impact of opioids in our community. Thank you to everyone who joined us online.

Special thanks to Alberto Ortega from Va que Va, Rossany and Gustavo from Oceano TV, and Keith from Bring Xcellence Film Company for their coverage and video production.

Thank you to 100 Women Who Care of Bluffton for their generous support of our foundation and, most importantly, our community. Your contribution will help provide individuals with the chance to begin a new life, clean and sober.

We are grateful to Jill Dawson and Joe Sullivan for representing our foundation, and to Melanie Nelson for nominating us for this grant.

September 7th, 2024

Over the course of two rainy weekends and two Garage Sales, we were able to raise more than $5,000 to cover the rehabilitation treatment of someone who truly wants to change their life. We are grateful to our community for their support and to all the volunteers who helped make this possible.

Yesterday we were invited by Jimmy Rosales to speak to the youth at the summer soccer camp about the dangers of drug use, the fentanyl crisis, and the risks of misusing prescription pain medication. Jesús Ríos shared his powerful testimony, explaining how addiction derailed his promising soccer career and future.

Thank you to the parents and young athletes who attended, to Jimmy for the invitation.

José Zavaleta was the first beneficiary of the Spirit of Sebastian Foundation. Congratulations, José, on your first anniversary of sobriety. Our mission, together with your dedication, is making a real impact by transforming lives and bringing back smiles.  

May 24th, 2024

Thank you to the Hispanic Ministry of St. Gregory the Great for the opportunity to speak to the youth at the Evangelization Retreat about the dangers of drug use and for welcoming the impactful testimonies of Krysta Flanders and Emmanuel. We also appreciate the support of Catrina Anchondo from the Beaufort County Alcohol and Drug Abuse Department and Joe Sullivan.

Raising awareness among young people is one of our greatest blessings.

We pray that God continues to open doors for this mission.

May 20th, 2025

Thank you to the Apostolic Church Fuente de Salvación for welcoming us last Thursday. We are grateful to Krista and Amelia for their powerful testimonies and to Catrina Anchondo from the Beaufort County Alcohol and Drug Department for her participation. It was a night filled with spiritual strength and a message of humility as the community embraced those who have battled or continue to battle addiction—without fear, stigma, or judgment. Just hearts before God, seeking mercy and strength.

May 14th, 2024

Thank you to Women in Philanthropy (WIP) for awarding the Spirit of Sebastian Foundation our first grant. Your belief in our mission, your willingness to break stigmas, and your compassion help us restore hope and give people a second chance.

Today, shortly after the grant ceremony, we received a call from a young man seeking help for his uncle. Thanks to your support, he will enter a rehabilitation center tomorrow.

Thank you, Jill Dawson, for your invaluable help.

May 7th, 2024

In 2023, fentanyl silenced 112,000 lives. Let your voice be heard.

The Spirit of Sebastian Foundation, Charleston Recovery Center, and Southern Sky Recovery are joining together on May 7th to observe Fentanyl Awareness Day. This event will provide a space for our community to honor loved ones lost, support those affected in Beaufort County, and deepen understanding about the dangers of fentanyl.

This gathering is open to everyone and will be held at The Oyster Factory Park from 3:00 to 6:00 pm. Admission is free.

April 25th, 2024

Thank you to NOC of Bluffton, Gaby, and their team for allowing us to share our experience, strength, and hope. We also thank the parents, children, and Catrina from the Beaufort County Alcohol and Drug Department for their valuable participation.

If you would like to host a panel at your school, church, or youth group, please contact us, we would be glad to support you.

It is our honor to serve our community and help our youth grow in a healthy, drug-free environment.

March 23, 2024

We held a very special Commemorative Dinner on March 23, 2024, from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm, featuring beautiful performances by “Enrique y su Guitarra” and the duo “Heart & Harmony,” along with a delicious dinner prepared by The Venue 1223. This event honored our son Sebastián’s life on the first anniversary of his passing while raising essential funds to help individuals seeking treatment and rehabilitation but unable to afford it.

The night included raffles, live and silent auctions, music, and a wonderful dinner. Thanks to the incredible support of our community, we were able to continue strengthening our mission of helping those fighting to overcome addiction.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed, and especially to our main sponsors: Bluffton Veterinary Hospital, Hilton Head Glass, East Coast Mechanical, the Doran Family, Bookkeeping by Day, Namaste Spa, Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra, Lean Ensemble Theater, Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, and all event sponsors. Your generosity made this meaningful event possible.

January 6, 2023

The Spirit of Sebastian Foundation participated in the Citizenship Workshop organized by the Lowcountry Immigration Coalition (LIC) at the Bluffton Library, where we had the opportunity to share our mission of prevention, awareness, and rehabilitation support, connecting with families in our community.

Our first Spirit of Sebastian Foundation Fundraiser Dinner was made possible thanks to the incredible support of our friends, family, and community. Your generosity helps us continue our mission of awareness, prevention, and rehabilitation.

We are deeply grateful to the Sullivan family, Joe, Elissa, and Chris, for hosting this special evening at The Mulberry Street Trattoria and for the wonderful food. Thank you as well to Saxy Man Steve and Sheryl Christine for the beautiful entertainment, and to the dedicated staff and volunteers who made the night a success.

Above all, we thank God for giving us the strength to keep our son Sebastián’s legacy alive as we work to save lives in our community. God bless you all, and Merry Christmas 🎄

Talk Heritage Academy, Hilton Head Island- November 3, 2023

We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Amanda Williams, Principal of Heritage Academy, for inviting the Spirit of Sebastian Foundation and allowing us to share drug awareness and prevention information with her students. Hearing the students express their support, ask for hugs, and even suggest organizing a fundraiser for our mission was truly rewarding and reaffirmed the purpose and impact of our work.

We also thank our special speakers and supporters, Galen from the Beaufort County Alcohol and Drug Abuse Department, Holly Peterson and Brie from LowCountry Hope House Sober Living, Joseph Sullivan and Camilo Florido for his continued unconditional support.

We invited our community to come together and raise awareness about the devastating impact of drug abuse, especially fentanyl, on the lives around us. Many families continue to grieve the loss of loved ones to addiction and overdose, and we walked in honor of those who lost their battle and in support of those still fighting for recovery.

Thank you to everyone who joined us on Sunday, October 29, at Red Cedar Elementary School. Your presence, support, and prayers strengthen our mission to bring prevention, awareness, and rehabilitation resources to those in need throughout Bluffton.

Together, we walked for the lives lost, for those still struggling, and for the families who continue to carry the pain.

10 Box Elder St, Bluffton SC 29910

Last night’s Drug & Alcohol Awareness presentation had a wonderful turnout, and we were especially encouraged to see so many youth in attendance.

We extend our sincere thanks to SGG Catholic Church, Nora Gallegos, and Kevin for welcoming us at the Life Center; to Catrina from BCADAD (Beaufort County Drug and Alcohol Department) for the valuable information she shared; to Brie for courageously sharing her story of experience, strength, and hope; and to the Hope House ladies for their continued support.

First Billboard of “Spirit of Sebastian” Foundation with a firm and strong message about  what these drugs and   specifically this Fentanyl Epidemic  that's killing   our community. 

Billboard is on I-95 Exit 21 Heading South Right-Hand Side. 

Big thank you to Sherri Lonz and Tricia Papka Michael for support us with the Billboard’s design.

This 12-day drug prevention challenge was carried out in both English and Spanish, allowing us to reach a broader community. Each day, we shared information about a different drug, how it is used, and its consequences.

Thanks to this effort, we achieved the participation of approximately 1,200 parents, strengthening awareness and encouraging early conversations about prevention within families.

June 26th, 2023

Today, we had the opportunity to speak with young athletes and their parents at a soccer summer camp, thanks to an invitation from Coach Jimmy Rosales. We shared an important message about the dangers of drugs, the impact of peer pressure, and how easily substances, often laced with fentanyl are accessed today. We also spoke about the devastating pain and loss families face when an overdose occurs.

If you are interested in having us share our story or provide more information about our Foundation, please feel free to reach out. 💛

The Spirit of Sebastian Foundation will have a tent at this festival, where we will share information to raise awareness about the drug epidemic affecting our community. We will also be offering merchandise to help fund our mission of supporting individuals on their journey to recovery and sobriety.

Please join us and help us make a difference 🤍

The Foundation will have a tent and information booth at the Latino Festival on May 28, where we will share drug awareness information about the epidemic affecting our community. We will also offer Foundation merchandise to raise funds in support of individuals working to recover their lives and achieve sobriety.

Thank you to Alberto Ortega and Blanca Martinez for their continued support.

Please join us and support the fight for recovery and hope. 💛

We are pleased to inform you that the amount collected after expenses was approximately $7,000 🙏. Thank you OceanoTV, for all the support, thank you Sal Andrade for the initiative to hold the Car Show and invite all the show participants, the sponsor's Professional Roofers Inc, Sign Pro, Team Billet, South Point Group and Sal’s Home Improvements, Pano, Websta, and Shug nasty for their performance, with the help of Stay Up Productions,DJ Alex, Hope House and Joseph Sullivan for supporting us with valuable information for the community about rehabilitation alternatives, all our friends and volunteers who collaborated, and the people who donated items.

Special thanks to all the people who attended and supported us, God bless you all for your generosity. 

Javier & Ana Zimbron

May 20, 2023- 139 BUCKISLAND RD, BLUFFTON SC 29910

The Spirit of Sebastian Foundation hosted its Memorial Birthday Gala at the beautiful Hilton Head Plantation Country Club, bringing together supporters, friends, and community partners for an unforgettable evening of compassion and celebration.

Guests enjoyed a spectacular dance performance by the Hilton Head Ballroom Dance Studio, followed by a lively interactive dance class that filled the room with joy and laughter. The evening also featured a silent and live auction, offering exclusive items generously donated by local businesses and sponsors.

The event was not only a celebration of Sebastian’s life and legacy but also a powerful demonstration of community coming together to support our mission of addiction prevention, education, and recovery. Thanks to the generosity of attendees and donors, the gala raised vital funds that will directly impact our grant and outreach programs.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, donated, and helped make this night one to remember.