In 2002, former Miss Universe, Bui Simon created Angels Wings Foundation International, a non-profit organization aimed at assisting the underprivileged children of her native country of Thailand. Since its inception Angels Wings has built schools, provided educational scholarships, healthcare, and many other critical services for the youth in Thailand. Under the careful guidance of native Thai philanthropist, Bui Simon, Angels Wings continues to address the evolving needs of the country’s young and vulnerable citizens with increased educational opportunities and various forms of aid.
In response to the December, 2004 tsunami in South East Asia, Founder Bui Simon raised funds to aid those affected by the natural disaster. In addition to providing a fleet of boats, building schools and new playground equipment and providing support for orphaned children, Angels Wings Foundation constructed 100 new homes in just three months. “
Prior to founding Angels Wings Foundation, Bui Simon spent fifteen years actively involved in philanthropic work. In 1988, Bui Simon established a fund to help the needy children of Thailand. That same year, Simon advocated the Rights of the Child bill in front of the United Nations as Thailand’s Goodwill Ambassador. In the mid-1990s, Bui organized a 10-city charity national concert tour that raised enough funds for food, new schools, and the construction of a pediatric AIDS Wing for a rural hospital for Thai children with medical needs. In recognition of her efforts on behalf of the nation’s people, King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand awarded her with a Thai Royal Medal of Honor.
A constant believer in the importance of education, Simon developed the Bui Simon Thai Endowed Scholarship Fund along with her alma mater, Pepperdine University. This scholarship opportunity allows Thai college students to visit the United States and study at the Malibu, California institution. As a highly regarded alumna, Pepperdine University elected Bui Simon to its Board of Regents in 2009. With a passion for philanthropy, Bui proudly serves on the board of governors for the Dream Foundation, the first and largest national wish-granting organization for adults facing life-threatening illnesses.
An endeavor that began 30 years ago as a personal mission to increase educational opportunities for the underprivileged children in her native country of Thailand, Bui Simon, Founder & President of Angels Wings Foundation has grown the foundation today to become a multi country foundation impacting the lives of many Thai youth. In 2017, Simon launched the Angels Wings Thai Scholarship in the United States. The initiative behind the Angels Wings Foundation Thai Scholarship, is to recognize and honor Thai-American students in the U.S. who have demonstrated academic excellence, concern for their Thai community and connection and desire to continue their education. Since 2017, the Angels Wings Foundation has made the power of education a priority and a possibility for Thai Youth in the United States. Recipients chosen for the scholarship receive $5,000 towards city/community college tuition or $10,000 towards 4-year college or university tuition.
"Thank you for taking the time to research what Angels Wings Foundation is doing to allow impoverished children the opportunity to truly fly into the potential that exists within each of them. I started this foundation in 2002 to support my native country of Thailand the best way I know how, proactively and with much devotion. It has been my passion to find ways of empowering our disadvantaged youth and raising their potential."
