Where Compassion Meets Purpose

We believe in equipping young minds with the skills, knowledge, and values to lead with empathy.

Our Mission

We want to empower compassionate youth and cultivate a generation of civic-minded teenagers who actively engage in creating a better world.

Our Vision

We envision a future where our nurtured youth grow into influential leaders who shape a brighter, more compassionate world.

Comfort Closet

Comfort Crusaders takes great pride in supporting the Voices for Children Comfort Closet, which offers essential dignity items to children entering foster care.

Topgolf Clinics

Comfort Crusaders proudly demonstrates its support for Voices for Children through semi-annual golf clinics, giving foster youth the opportunity to try their hand at golfing skills for the first time. Our dedicated youth board provides golf instruction at these empowering events.

Swag for Sale!

Get cozy and make a difference! Our sweatshirt sale is all about giving back. 100% of the proceeds will directly benefit the Comfort Closet, which brings care and comfort to foster youth at Voices For Children. Purchase a $50 sweatshirt and join us in providing warmth and support to those who need it most. Adult and youth sizes available.

Founder

Maria Maloof

Maria Maloof is a staple in her South Florida community, known as an unwavering advocate and genuine champion for the most vulnerable, particularly at-risk women and children throughout Miami-Dade County. Her enduring commitment to making a difference is evident through her tireless efforts over the past two decades.Maria has generously devoted her time, talent, and treasure to numerous nonprofit organizations. Her contributions have been nothing short of transformative, as she has touched the lives of countless individuals, leaving a path of hope and progress in her wake.Her dedication extends beyond the traditional boundaries of philanthropy. Most recently, she has realized profound joy in mentoring youth through Comfort Crusaders, aiming to cultivate future leaders who will pick up the mantle to make a positive mark on society. Through her work with the nonprofit sector, she and her executive board have taken on the noble task of imparting the values of giving and community engagement to the upcoming generations, fostering a legacy of compassion and impactful change.

Co-Founder

Richard Maloof

Richie’s deep-rooted commitment to service and community involvement has been nurtured from a young age, guided by the exemplary role models within his family. Currently in his senior year at Belen Jesuit Preparatory School, where he has been a dedicated student since 2017, Richie’s pursuit of excellence extends beyond academics. He has actively embraced a well-rounded education by participating in various sports, including lacrosse, tennis, and crew. Nevertheless, it’s within the realm of golf that Richie’s unwavering passion truly shines. Over the past three years, he has wholeheartedly dedicated himself to the Belen Jesuit Varsity Golf team, showcasing his exceptional dedication and talent.Richie’s interests extend beyond the greens and courts. He is an aspiring entrepreneur with a keen interest in business, which aligns with his future college plans to study business. This entrepreneurial spirit has led him to actively engage with our family nonprofit as an extension of his ambitions. He cherishes the platform that our nonprofit provides, enabling him to create and select projects that hold significant importance to both the executive and youth boards.In his free time, Richie enjoys boating, fishing, traveling, and spending quality time with his friends. Through his dedication to our nonprofit and his passion for business, Richie embodies a commitment to making a positive impact on the community while preparing for an exciting journey in higher education.

Priscilla Rettig

Vice President

Meghan Maloof Berdellans

Secretary

Kim Sarkisian

Treasurer

Liam Jacobsen

Vice President, Membership

Liam Jacobsen has attended Belen Jesuit Preparatory School for the past 7 years. He has placed a large importance on his studies throughout his time at Belen, and has been recognized for his academic accomplishment through the Benjamin Matzah Award and admittance to the National Honors Society. Liam is an active member of his school community as he has played Lacrosse throughout his middle and high school years and is an active member of the Speech and Debate Team and Mock Trial Club. Outside of school, Liam enjoys spending time outdoors and enjoys boating, sailing, mountain biking, and spending time with friends. Liam is excited his participation in Comfort Crusaders as it is an outlet for him and his friends to be able to give back to their community in a variety of different capacities and in the ones that they themselves feel passionate about.

Santiago Guinot

Vice President, Development

Santi Guinot is a native of Miami and is committed to actively serving his community. He has been a student at a faith-based school since pre-school and has learned the importance of giving back to help those in need. He spent his elementary years at St. Thomas Episcopal School, graduating in 2017 as one of three recipients of the Independent Schools of South Florida (ISSF) Star Award. He has since been a student at Belen Jesuit Preparatory School and is currently a senior. Santi was a member of the Junior Honor Society in middle school and continues to be part of the National Honor Society since ninth grade. He is currently a member of several additional honor societies, including the English, Rho Kappa (History), and Mu Alpha Theta (Math). He has also received distinctions, including the College Board National Hispanic Recognition Award and the AP Scholar with Honor Award.Santi has participated in sports at Belen, including the Crew and Lacrosse teams, and enjoys a healthy lifestyle and fitness. On weekends, he looks forward to relaxing, boating, fishing, and having fun with his family and friends.He is incredibly proud to be a founding member of the Comfort Crusader’s Board of Directors. He is grateful for the opportunities he has been given to serve as a volunteer and mentor. He feels humbled and inspired by the bravery and gratitude of the families and children that Comfort Crusaders supports.

Rafael Antun

Vice President, Communications

Ralfi is currently a senior at Belen Jesuit Preparatory School. He’s been active in service projects since he began middle school in 2017. He is also involved in school clubs and is a proud member of the National Honor Society. Ralfi enjoys playing Football in the fall and Lacrosse in the spring. In his free-time he enjoys bike riding, boating and hanging out with his friends. Ralfi has a strong Catholic faith and is proud of his Jesuit education which he believes is essential in order to serve God. He loves to give back to his community and enjoys serving others guided by such faith and education.

Natalia Garcia-Hanna

Secretary

Natalia Garcia-Hanna has attended Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart for 15 years, where she currently serves at Student Body President. She is an active member of the community and Catholic Church, while being a Campus Ministry leader at school. She spends most of her time playing tennis, piano, and enjoying quality time with family and friends. She loves to learn and focus on her studies which allowed her to become a member of the National Honor Society. She is deeply committed and fond of Comfort Crusaders because she loves that they provide the opportunity to spread aid and good deeds in a variety of capacities.Natalia feels blessed to be a part of such a caring community, made possible by Comfort Crusaders.

George Maloof

Member at Large

George Maloof is an eighth grader at Belen Jesuit Preparatory School, following in the footsteps of his older brother Richie as a co-founder and active member of the Comfort Crusaders youth board. Growing up in a family deeply committed to community service, George developed a strong sense of purpose from a young age. He's not only an avid athlete, thriving on the Belen Jesuit varsity crew team and competing internationally, but also a compassionate young man with a profound desire to make a positive impact. George's enthusiasm shines through in his dedication to creating projects that provide comfort to those in need, embodying the spirit of our nonprofit's mission.

Rafi Guinot

Member at Large

Rafi Guinot has attended Palmer Trinity School since sixth grade and is currently a Sophomore. He was elected class Treasurer in ninth and 10th grade and has supported his school through varied leadership activities. Rafi was a member of the Junior Honor Society in Middle School and has been part of the National Honor Society since ninth grade. He has volunteered at numerous local charity events and is committed to helping the greater community. Last summer, Rafi worked as a Junior Camp Counselor at the University of Miami Mini Canes Summer Camp where he gained experience working with kids of all ages.Rafi is excited to work with Comfort Crusaders and the incredible organizations that they support. In his free time, he enjoys boating, playing tennis, going to the gym, traveling and spending time with friends and family.