Steve Schwab, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Casago, is currently walking 200.4 miles from Phoenix to Puerto Peñasco (Rocky Point), Sonora, Mexico, to raise funds for the Mexico Children's Foundation. Schwab began his journey on October 9, 2026, and expects to complete the trek in about 8-10 days. The route follows State Route 85 south through Gila Bend and Ajo, across roughly 40 miles of open Sonoran Desert with no services, before crossing into Mexico for the final stretch to the Sea of Cortés. Despite recent storms, locals have joined him along the way or pulled over to take selfies, demonstrating community support for his cause.
This walk is a long-running tradition, and this year marks Schwab's 15th walk. Over the years, the foundation has provided funding for life-saving procedures for children like Ana Paula Medina Gonzales, diagnosed with a malignant tumor in her head at age 7, and Sarahi Acedo, who needed a tracheostomy at birth and is now about to celebrate her quinceañera. These stories underscore the tangible impact of the foundation's work, which focuses on medical care and educational enrichment for children in Mexico.
In a statement, Schwab explained his motivation: "People ask why I keep doing this. It's simple. Rocky Point gave me my start, and the community became my family. When I founded the Mexico Children's Foundation back in 2003, the walk was an opportunity to make a statement that children are our future and no child should be left behind because of medical or economic challenges." His dedication reflects a deep personal commitment to the region where he began his career.
A former Army Ranger and New Mexico State University graduate, Schwab started SeaSide Reservations in Rocky Point, managing vacation homes for owners. The company later grew into Casago International, a vacation rental management franchise, and still operates locally as Casago Rocky Point. This background illustrates how his business success is intertwined with his philanthropic efforts, creating a cycle of giving back to the community that supported him.
This year's fundraising goal is $70,000. As of October 12, the walk has raised $23,000, more than one-third of its goal. US donations are tax-deductible. Those interested in supporting the cause can donate through the official donation page at https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/donate-to-change-a-childs-life-one-at-a-time. The foundation's ongoing efforts rely on such contributions to continue providing critical assistance.
The Mexico Children's Foundation is a nonprofit founded by Steve Schwab that provides financial support for medical care and educational enrichment for children in Mexico. More information about the foundation and its mission is available at mexicochildrensfoundation.org. The walk not only raises funds but also raises awareness about the needs of children facing medical and economic challenges, emphasizing that every child deserves a chance to thrive.
