Santiago, Dominican Republic, May 11, 2026 – La Aurora, the Dominican Republic’s cigar factory since 1903, as part of its social commitment and in support of the nonprofit organization Global Partners in Hope (GPiH), hosted the winners of the Empowering Lives, One Step at a Time charity auction, benefiting vulnerable communities in West Africa, during their visit to the country in April.
During the three-day experience, held from April 27 to 29, La Aurora organized a tour through the cities of Santiago and Puerto Plata for the winning couples, alongside Global Partners in Hope CEO Mr. Ian Vickers, allowing them to discover iconic landmarks in both cities while experiencing and enjoying Dominican culture.
The itinerary began with a tour of the tobacco fields and the cigar factory facilities, accompanied by Don Guillermo León, President of La Aurora, and his daughters Michelle and Daniela León. During this guided tour, guests immersed themselves in the tobacco-making tradition by visiting the factory’s historical and cultural museum, which highlights the company’s rich legacy, as well as learning about the premium cigar-making process that defines the brand’s portfolio. In addition, they received a brief hands-on training session on cigar rolling led by Wascar Aracena, Manual Production Coordinator, and ultimately created their own cigars in personalized boxes.
Continuing the experience over the following days, the guests enjoyed historical tours in both Santiago and Puerto Plata. In Santiago, they participated in a guided visit to the Centro León and other cultural landmarks, including the historic downtown area and the Monument to the Heroes of the Restoration. In Puerto Plata, they visited the Dominican Amber Museum and enjoyed a city tour through several points of interest, concluding at one of the beautiful beaches of the “Bride of the Atlantic.”
La Aurora and its relationship with Global Partners in Hope (GPiH)
As part of its social commitment, La Aurora carries out various initiatives in support of charitable causes. Its relationship with Global Partners in Hope began around 2021, when Daniela León, part of the fourth generation of the León family, started volunteering with the foundation while attending university in the United States. In 2024, she traveled to Africa, where she had the opportunity to interact and collaborate directly with vulnerable communities. Inspired by the work of Global Partners in Hope and its mission to improve the quality of life of these populations, the cigar factory strengthened its ties with the organization by joining its 2025 charity auction efforts. Today, La Aurora plans to continue contributing to social well-being alongside the nonprofit organization.
About Global Partners in Hope (GPiH)
Global Partners in Hope (GPiH) is a nonprofit organization based in Omaha, Nebraska, dedicated to improving living conditions for vulnerable communities in Francophone West Africa, particularly in countries such as Mali, Togo, and Benin.
Its mission focuses on ensuring access to clean water and sustainable healthcare services through the construction and operation of healthcare centers, water wells, and local training programs, all developed in close collaboration with community leaders and residents.
Watch the full experience on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMNdg-SKjxw