Astros star Carlos Beltran has donated $1 million to victims of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, and a number of other athletes have also stepped forward with aid in the wake of the storm. Major League Baseball has donated $1 million for relief efforts in Puerto Rico and for last week’s earthquake in Mexico.
The Category 4 hurricane caused catastrophic damage last week to the Caribbean island and U.S. territory, killing dozens in Puerto Rico. Power could be out for months in many parts of the island, and thousands are in shelters.
Beltran, a native of Manati, Puerto Rico, started a hurricane relief fund Foundation Carlos Beltran, on Crowdrise.com. He donated $1 million to start it off and it has already raised more than $1,269,515
“The devastation that Hurricane Maria has brought to Puerto Rico is unimaginable, leaving the island without power for the indefinite future,” Beltran wrote on Crowdrise. “Many of us are still praying and waiting to hear from our loved ones to just know they are OK.
“We will be raising funds for the Fundacion Carlos Beltran so we can personally insure that all funds go where they will be needed the most to help when the water receeds.”
Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina and former Yankees great Jorge Posada, both natives of the island, also have launched fundraising drives, as well.
We are confident that we will come out of this stronger than ever! Like Puerto Rican’s say “en la union está la fuerza” (in the union we find strength). Help us bring strength back to Puerto Rico by donating to this fundraiser.” –said Beltran
Meanwhile, from the NBA, Mavericks guard J.J. Barea, a native of Mayagüez, P.R., launched a drive on YouCaring.com that had raised more than $154,000 so far. Knicks star Carmelo Anthony, whose late father was born on the island, donated $50,000 for aid.
