Steve Schwab, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Casago, is walking 200.4 miles from Phoenix to Puerto Peñasco (Rocky Point), Sonora, Mexico, to raise money for the Mexico Children's Foundation. Schwab set out on October 9, 2026, and expects to reach Rocky Point in about 8-10 days.
The route follows State Route 85 south through Gila Bend and Ajo, across roughly 40 miles of open Sonoran Desert with no services, then crosses into Mexico for the final stretch to the Sea of Cortés. Despite the storms this past week, locals have been joining him or pulled over to snap selfies.
"People ask why I keep doing this. It's simple. Rocky Point gave me my start, and the community became my family. When I founded the Mexico Children's Foundation back in 2003, the walk was an opportunity to make a statement that children are our future and no child should be left behind because of medical or economic challenges," said Schwab.
The walk is a long-running tradition, and this year marks his 15th walk. Over the years, the foundation has provided funding for life-saving procedures for children like Ana Paula Medina Gonzales, who was diagnosed with a malignant tumor in her head at age 7, and Sarahi Acedo, who needed a tracheostomy at birth and is now about to celebrate her quinceañera.
A former Army Ranger and New Mexico State University graduate, Schwab started SeaSide Reservations in Rocky Point, managing vacation homes for owners. The company later grew into Casago International, a vacation rental management franchise, and still operates locally as Casago Rocky Point.
This year's fundraising goal is $70,000. As of October 12, the walk has raised $23,000, more than one-third of its goal. US donations are tax-deductible. Those interested in supporting the cause can donate through the foundation's online donation form.
The Mexico Children's Foundation is a nonprofit founded by Steve Schwab that provides financial support for medical care and educational enrichment for children in Mexico. For more information, visit mexicochildrensfoundation.org.
The implications of this walk extend beyond the immediate funds raised. It brings attention to the ongoing needs of children in Mexico who require medical care and educational opportunities. The foundation's work has already changed lives, as seen in the cases of Ana Paula and Sarahi. By continuing this tradition, Schwab and the foundation aim to ensure that more children receive the support they need. The walk also highlights the strong ties between the business community in Rocky Point and the local population, demonstrating how corporate success can be channeled into philanthropic efforts. As the walk progresses, it serves as a reminder of the power of individual commitment to social causes and the impact that can be achieved when a community comes together.
