Cigar enthusiasts often celebrate the craftsmanship, tradition, and relaxation that comes with enjoying a fine cigar. Yet, beyond the pleasures of the smoke, many within the cigar community are committed to giving back.
Organisations like the Cigar Family Charitable Foundation and the Padrón Family Foundation exemplify how the cigar industry can leverage its influence for profound social good. These charities operate with a singular mission: to improve lives through education, healthcare, and community development, particularly in regions where such support is most desperately needed. Additionally, Canteros New Zealand proudly donates to both foundations—supporting the Dominican Republic community through the Cigar Family Charitable Foundation and the Nicaraguan community via the Padron Family Foundation.
( please note, currently the Padrón Family Foundation website does not allow online Credit Card payments outside of the USA, we have reminded them of this issue again this past week )
The Cigar Family Charitable Foundation, established by the Fuentés and Newman families, focuses on supporting vulnerable children and their communities in the Dominican Republic. Through initiatives that provide education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, the foundation helps transform lives and fosters sustainable growth. This collaboration between the Fuentés and Newman families illustrates how longstanding relationships and shared values can create a significant social impact that extends beyond business.
Meanwhile, the Padrón Family Foundation plays a vital role in supporting Nicaraguan communities, where the Padrón family has deep roots. Located in the heartland of cigar production, the foundation provides vital educational opportunities and health services to uplift local families. Their work helps sustain Nicaragua’s rich cigar tradition while improving quality of life for those who live in its shadow. The Padrón family's commitment demonstrates how a family’s dedication can create lasting change in both their home country and the global cigar community.
What makes these efforts even more admirable is the close collaboration between pioneering families like the Fuentés and Newmans, who work together both in charity and business. Their shared vision of quality, integrity, and community has built a resilient network that supports economic and social development across Latin America and beyond. These families understand that tobacco and cigars are more than commodities—they are symbols of heritage, craftsmanship, and responsibility.
As cigar lovers enjoy their favourite smokes, they are reminded that the real value lies not only in the experience of smoking but also in the collective effort to uplift and support communities in need. Thanks to contributions from organisations like Canteros New Zealand, which supports both foundations, enthusiasts can take pride in knowing their passion fuels positive change. In a world where commerce and tradition often seem disconnected from social responsibility, these charities stand as a testament to the power of family, community, and giving back—one cigar at a time.
- The Cigar Family Charitable Foundation has grown into a 23 acre complex supporting the local community in the Dominican Republic providing free education to more than 450 students.
- Their Health Centre serves an average of 713 people per month.
- Over 4,500 clean water filters have been provided to the community.
- Previously one of the most violent regions in the Dominican Republic, Banoa's 16 communities have drastically reduced aminosity.
- 92% of Cigar Family Charitable Foundation graduating students enroll in the University of their choice.
- The Cigar Family Charitable Foundation students are Spelling Bee Champions 4 years running.
- Cigar Family Charitable Foundation students have had the highest grade point averages in regional graduating classes 4 years in a row.
The Cigar Family Charitable Foundation opened a new Academy of Arts Centre late in 2024
With generous support from Hublot, this new center furthers the Fuente and Newman families’ goals of providing children in the Dominican Republic a diverse range of educational and career opportunities. Located in the 23-acre Cigar Family project in Bonao, Dominican Republic, the Cigar Family Academy of Arts includes four new buildings for music, arts, and dance programs along with an amphitheater for performances. The Cigar Family Academy of Arts will allow CFCF to expand its curriculum to support students who wish to pursue careers in the arts.
“I am enormously grateful to my friends at Hublot for supporting the creation of our new Academy of Arts,” said CFCF co-founder Carlos Fuente, Jr. “This beautiful, state-of-the-art facility will give new opportunities to children in the Dominican Republic to pursue their passion and talent in the arts.”
The grand opening celebration was attending by 100 people, including the Fuente and Newman families, executives from Hublot, local dignitaries, and Grammy Award-winning Artist Arturo Sandoval, who inaugurated the new amphitheater with a performance.
“I want to thank all of the cigar enthusiasts around the world who support CFCF and the children and families it serves through their generous donations or by purchasing a Toast Across America pack,” said CFCF co-founder Eric M. Newman. “Because the Fuente and Newman families underwrite all of CFCF’s operating costs, every dollar raised goes directly to help children in need.”
This year, 440 students are attending CFCF’s primary school, high school, technical school, and arts academy. Since 2004, CFCF has invested more than $20 million to support these programs. The Cigar Family project has received numerous accolades from the government of the Dominican Republic, the United Nations, and others. It has been showcased as an example for how businesses and consumers can come together to provide transformational opportunities to improve the lives of low-income children and their families.
“Today was a very special day, a day that should make all of us proud,” said CFCF CEO Scott Lewis. “Words and pictures cannot convey how wonderful this project has turned out. The Cigar Family Academy of Arts will give our students the opportunity to express their creativity in so many ways while they learn and challenge themselves in each of these disciplines.”