Stefania Magidson
Stefania Magidson was born in Romania and in 1983 immigrated with her family to the United States. In 2002 she founded Blue Heron Foundation, one of the largest non-profit organizations in the Romanian diaspora, focusing on improving the quality of life of Romanian and Moldovan orphaned youth by providing them greater access to life’s opportunities through merit based college scholarships in Romania. To date, the organization has raised over $1,800,000, has awarded over 300 college scholarships and has touched the lives of over 2,900 kids.
My path with Coco Baran first crossed because of our passion for tango. However, soon after, we discovered our mutual, deep yearning to uplift the world around us, and help carry the torch for those who could not yet do it for themselves.
For over a decade Coco has been a generous supporter of the organization I run which provides college scholarships to Romanian orphans. All along she has hoped to do something similar for the youth of her mother country of origin: the Philippines. I’m so proud that Coco transformed her dream into reality and is now actively helping impoverished Filipinos receive the gift of breaking the cycle of poverty through arts and education.
I am wishing Coco and Wild Orchid a path of great success. Let’s get others as excited as we are about contributing to the mission of this wonderful organization!
Teddy Bass
Teddy Bass fitness instructor, is a certified member of the American Council on Exercise (ACE), he also holds several certifications from Future Fit. For more than 2 decades, Teddy has trained some of Hollywood’s top celebrities and executives. When not traveling with clients, Teddy is based at a private studio located in Beverly Hills. Teddy’s approach to training incorporates all aspects of fitness with his own personalized approach. His reputation as a trainer is unsurpassed, at the top of his field and its most competitive market – Los Angeles.Teddy is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He is also a trained professional dancer and performer. He is featured regularly in a variety of fitness magazines: Allure, Cosmopolitan, In Style, Self and US.
As a personal trainer and dancer, living in Los Angeles since 1983, I have been blessed to cross paths with one of the most loving, passionate , creative and giving souls in my life. Coco Baran is a dear friend and client for many years. I have watched her passion for acting, parenting; and now, mothering into social activism. I have witnessed her give back to the LA community and also, the country of her birth by creating The Wild Orchid Foundation. To watch this evolve from early conversation, and her desire to help change people’s lives, manifest into an impacting reality; has been an inspirational honor to witness. Her ability to balance family, travel; and to manage a foundation that educates and provides opportunities to protect the youth is remarkable. Coco’s love of children, her motherlike nature and compassionate heart will serve and change many lives, as is already evident: from the early stage of its concept, to launching her baby project and making it a reality. Dreams do come true with hard work, faith and dedication .
While, we can collect many worldly things living on this planet, I am touched by the fact that Coco has decided to leave a legacy of giving back by providing opportunities to wonderful children and youths, who otherwise would not have this chance. As an adoptive parent myself, I am blessed to call her my friend. I look forward to the many years of prosperity, hope, love and joy that The Wild Orchid Foundation will bring, not only to this village but to the world at large. God Bless you Coco.