In 1987, the veteran crooner launched Semjase, a facility in Juarez, Mexico, which houses orphaned and underserved children between the ages of six to 12.

However, according to magazine TV y Novelas, Gabriel has had to hand over his responsibilities to city officials, since he does not have the sufficient funds to continue supporting the centre.

Gabriel has long been an advocate for orphaned children, performing multiple benefit concerts each year for his favourite children's homes in Mexico.