“(Pedro) has the biggest heart. His heart is as big as Boston, and any time Boston needs him and calls him, he’s there for us.” – Marty Walsh, Mayor of Boston
Champion Hope
With a vision to impact generations, Pedro and wife Carolina began a foundation in the Dominican Republic providing holistic care to at-risk youth, with programs expanding into the U.S. and beyond. A promise to always look higher, and to champion hope keeps Pedro dreaming big and aspiring to make positive and lasting impact locally and globally.
Fulfill Potential
With plans to build a charter school in the DR underway, Pedro’s heart is for every child to have the chance to fulfill their potential. Hosting two annual fundraisers that bring all-star athletes and fans together, Pedro has helped raise millions of dollars for children, families, hurricane victims and other charitable causes around the world.
HIGHLIGHTS
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Acquiring land
1996
Pedro begins accumulating parcels of land in his hometown for his charity, paying for them from his own pocket.
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Charity founded
1998
The Pedro Martinez and Brothers Foundation, or Pedro Martinez Charity, is established to service the needs of the disadvantaged in the Dominican Republic and beyond.
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Land Donated
2002
Pedro donates land to the Dominican government for what will later be the construction of the San Miguel basic school (finished in 2007 in conjunction with the Japanese government).
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Breaking Ground
2007
Pedro donates land to start ‘The Pedro Martinez Charity’ in effort to provide support and educational programs for children that will positively impact the community.
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Program Launch
2007
Hay Poder en Aprender – “There is Power in Learning” – the flagship program for the organization launches in the San Miguel de Manoguayabo region of Dominican Republic.
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US Expansion
June 17, 2009
Hay Poder en Aprender receives the backing of Major League Baseball, USAID, and the Dominican Development Alliance, expanding the program into the United States.
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Making Room
2012
Pedro increases the size of the Community Center to include more classrooms, sports facilities and state-of-the-art playground.
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Gala 2016
November 4, 2016
Pedro and Carolina host the first black tie event in Boston, where the vision and impact of The Pedro Martinez Charity is shared to raise money for the organization.
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Feast with 45
May 6, 2017
Pedro joins renowned chefs at Fenway Park to share in food and fun with fans for the first time, raising money to support the charitable efforts of his foundation.
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ALS Game
August 17, 2017
Pedro pitches in to fight ALS at the Old Time Baseball Game at St. Peter’s Field.
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A Decade of Impact
November 1, 2017
The Pedro Martinez Foundation celebrates 10 years of impact. Highlights: 12 homes have been built, 4000+ scholarships have been given out, over 200,000 meals have been served.
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Gala 2017
November 3, 2017
Pedro and Carolina host the second annual black tie event, this year raising funds to support those in Puerto Rico affected by Hurricane Maria.
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Puerto Rico
December 11, 2017
Batteries are purchased and delivered to the hurricane battered island of Puerto Rico thanks to funds raised at the Pedro Martinez Foundation Gala.
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Charity To Foundation
2018
Pedro Martinez Charity becomes the Pedro Martinez Foundation – a publicly funded 501C3 – making room for future programs and centers supporting children, families, and communities.
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Boston Marathon
April 16, 2018
Three runners join forces to form the Pedro Martinez Charity Boston Marathon Team, running to raise funds for the Foundation.
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Feast 2018
June 29, 2018
Pedro joins fans at the second annual event at Fenway, raising money for the work of the charity.
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Charter School
2018
Ground is broken to develop a new, state-of-the-art Charter School in the Dominican Republic that will support over 1600 youth.
