From a Family of Prominence
Born in the Philippines in 1914, Consuelo Zobel Alger grew up in a prominent family which had been at the top of the business, social and cultural scene for some 400 years. Her ancestors founded the Ayala y Compania in the Philippines more than 150 years ago. Renamed Ayala Corporation in 1968, it is one of the country’s premier corporations. It is involved in property development, banking, electronics and telecommunications. It is known for its commitment to corporate social responsibility and has been a key factor in the Philippines’ economic and social development.

Schooled in Madrid and Paris as a young lady, Consuelo could speak six languages. In 1940, she married a young American army lieutenant from Massachusetts, a West Point graduate stationed in the Philippines.

Making Hawai‘i Home
After James Alger retired in 1970 as a three-star general, the Algers moved to Hawai‘i and made it their permanent home. General Alger died in 1986, and Consuelo continued to live in Hawai‘i.

Her Vision
From her earliest days, she was inspired by the words of St. Therese of the Child Jesus, who said: What matters in life is not great deeds, but great love. Consuelo wrote of this inspiration: St. Therese did what I want to do in life …to let fall from Heaven a Shower of Roses. My mission will begin after my death. I will spend my heaven doing good on earth.

Beginning Her Mission
In early 1987, Consuelo met Patti Lyons of Honolulu who was just beginning to help develop a residential shelter for street children in the city of Baguio in the Philippines. Impressed by her meeting with Patti, Consuelo became the main benefactress of the shelter.

Their fateful meeting eventually brought forth the Consuelo Foundation and the guarantee of continued support for what she and Patti had begun.   

Giving Her Wealth
In wanting to leave something eternal, Consuelo committed her substantial family inheritance to the Foundation. Through this gesture, her will to do good from Heaven would be accomplished. Consuelo died on November 29, 1990.

Her Legacy
It was Consuelo’s desire that the most needy to be served – the “poorest of the poor, for it is those who have no hope. Hope is important to each of us – I would like to renew hope for those who have lost it or give hope to those who never had it.”

Consuelo’s memory lives on forever in the good works perpetuated by her foundation. The talented and dedicated work of board members, staff, and caring friends ensure the reality of her compassionate vision and the fulfillment of her request that, in the words of St. Paul, “in all things be ever mindful of the poor.”

Consuelo’s roses continue to fall from Heaven upon the neediest children, youth and women of the Philippines and Hawai‘i.

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