Mario Berlanga
Pay-It-Forward Awardee
Founded in what was once a food desert, Mario’s community‑centered grocery store, Mario’s Market, offers a wide range of fresh foods and essential groceries, ensuring that all members of the community can access nutritious options – including lowering prices when SNAP benefits were in limbo. Beyond providing food, the market has become a platform to support and uplift the people it serves – from hiring and training employees from the neighborhood to actively sponsoring local events and initiatives that strengthen the entire community.
Las Vegas, Nevada
December 9, 2025
Pay-It-Forward
Award
Awarded to:
Bolden Little League
Individual award recipients are not eligible for a grant, but can “pay it forward” by recommending a values-aligned organization to receive a grant. When an individual receives a “Pay It Forward” award, they are invited to recommend a grant to a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in their community that is aligned with the values of the project. “Pay It Forward” recipients are typically awarded to one or several individuals for personal acts of courage





