SAN DIEGO (KGTV) -- Sophie Felix may be petite, but there is nothing small about the way she approaches living and giving -- and it all started with her grandparents.
"Growing up, my Grandmother and my Grandpa Augie used to be foster parents so from a very young age I understood it's very important to give back to children in need," says Felix.
Nine years ago, Sophie says she felt compelled to reach out to the Encinitas-based group, Passion 4 K.I.D.S. which stands for Kids In Desperate Situations. The group helps improve the lives of handicapped, neglected and underprivileged children.
Through founders Linda and Charles Van Kessler, Sophie met Izaiah Wallis and his family. Izaiah has been unable to walk or talk since he was hit by a drunk driver at age one, 10 years ago.
Sophie started out by planning special experiences for the family including securing sponsorships for trips to Disneyland and Seaworld as well as handicapped accessible gear such as a van --- and Sophie was just getting started. A mom herself, she became the chapter president of America's Children of Fallen Heroes. Off-roading adventure in a custom jeep is just one part of what the group does. A bigger part is providing the kids with a 10-year mentorship program so they can pursue anything and realize their dreams.
Sophie says that is very important to her because she herself is living her American dream. In addition to her charity work, Sophie runs her own business, HBM Talent and Management, and she spreads her passion to every client she signs.
"That is part of our deal. They have to volunteer for at least 2 charity events per year," she says.
Those clients, including former NASCAR driver Felix Giles, are happy to do it. If all that weren't enough, Sophie also makes sure a local brother and sister, whose mother can't afford Christmas presents, get presents every year.
Sophie says her work with kids brings her, "indescribable joy, inspiration, happy tears, hope, faith" because she knows this is her purpose.
Sophie's charity mentor Linda Van Kessler says Sophie has a heart of gold --- a heart that just gets bigger and bigger because of what she feels every time she helps a child.
