About Raymond Bravo
From New York to Little Havana
Raymond was born in New York and moved to Miami, Florida when he was a small boy. He lived with his parents in the Little Havana part of town, a few blocks away from the Orange Bowl, where the Dolphins and the Miami Hurricanes used to play. Raymond had no brothers or sisters
Active, Scrappy, and Dedicated
Raymond attended Miami Senior High School and graduated in 1976 (what was called the Bicentennial Class). While in high school, Raymond was active in sports and extra-curricular activities. Although he was not very big, he was scrappy and started as a wide receiver on the football team. He may have had his best game ever against Coral Gables High School, Miami High’s fiercest rival back then. He also belonged to Interact (Wheel) and was active in student government. In addition, Raymond worked part-time at a supermarket while he was in school. Despite these many obligations and outside interests, Raymond maintained very good grades at Miami High.
A Long and Distinguished Career
After high school, Raymond went to the University of Miami and graduated with a degree in business administration and computer science. Computers were just beginning to make their presence felt in the business and educational world. Raymond went on to have a long and distinguished career with the Miami Dade County Information Technology Department, where he was responsible for maintaining the computer networks of 30,000 county employees, including police officers, firefighters, and hospital workers
A Legacy of Love and Generosity
Raymond liked the Beatles, the Stones, and classic rock. He also loved mother nature and animals of all kinds. He enjoyed camping trips across the United States and rescued a number of dogs and cats throughout his life. Sometimes his house seemed like a small zoo. He raised lovely orchids as a hobby. Raymond was also kind and generous towards others, which is why he wanted to share his success and help others achieve their own educational goals and professional dreams.
Raymond died of cancer in 2022, just when he was about to begin enjoying his retirement. His wife had died a few years before. Raymond had no children.
This foundation was created to continue his legacy of love and generosity.
About the Foundation
Given his modest beginnings and how he was raised, Raymond was always humble and grateful for the things he had. He became a very successful professional through hard work and self-motivation. However, he was also living proof that an individual’s success depends on many things. Hard work and natural ability clearly play a major role. But Raymond also understood that it takes a certain amount of luck and a helping hand from others to set and achieve one’s goals. Sometimes the help comes from unexpected places or persons one hardly knows. One thing is true, however: you cannot do it alone.
Raymond’s recognition that we are all in this together and that we need to help each other in this journey through life accounted for his strong desire to give back to our community. Some may call this “paying it forward.” Raymond just thought it was the right thing to do.
Education
This foundation was established to breathe continued life into Raymond’s hopes, desires, and interests. He believed in the importance of education. Thus, his foundation helps fund scholarships for high school students throughout Dade County who wish to go to college or attend vocational school.
Dignity & Rights
Raymond believed in safeguarding our constitutional rights and protecting the dignity of all individuals. Thus, his foundation supports a wide range of public-interest organizations that strive to achieve those goals.
Protecting Mother Earth
Raymond believed in protecting Mother Earth and respecting all living creatures and things. Thus, his foundation supports non-profit groups that work to protect our environment.
A Legacy of Hard Work and Generosity
The hope is that everyone who receives a grant from the Raymond Bravo Foundation will know how much it meant to Raymond to share his good fortune and lend a helping hand. The hope is also that everyone who receives a grant will carry on the message that guided much of Raymond’s life.
