MIAMI – With a large Venezuelan population living in South Florida, the Marlins stepped up for communities impacted by the recent earthquakes in the South American country.
In late June, the Marlins announced a $100,000 donation to Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) to aid emergency response and recovery efforts.
The Marlins followed that up on July 7, when World Baseball Classic hero Javier Sanoja, All-Star Otto Lopez and manager Clayton McCullough helped deliver the first collection of donated relief supplies to GEM. Corporate sponsors loanDepot, Kellanova, neaū water and Goya donated and also participated in the relief effort, providing critically needed supplies.
The relief effort continued during the July 7-9 series against the Mariners at loanDepot park, where fans could donate requested relief items at collection bins outside the Home Plate Entrance. Those who donated could purchase a specially priced $5 ticket at Marlins.com/WeLoveVenezuela, with the Marlins contributing an additional $5 per qualifying ticket to the We Love Venezuela Foundation. Proceeds from the Marlins 50/50 raffle during all three games also benefited the foundation.
On Saturday, the Marlins hosted their annual Venezuela Heritage Celebration, with a portion of the proceeds from every special Venezuela jersey ticket package sold and 50/50 raffle donated to Venezuelan relief efforts with support from presenting partner Santa Teresa 1796, the Venezuelan rum brand.
Before the game, there was a Heritage Walk around the warning track, and the Marlins recognized members of Urban Search and Rescue Teams Florida Task Force I and Florida Task Force II, which is made up of first responders from Miami-Dade Fire Rescue and the City of Miami Fire Rescue. The teams deployed to the hardest-hit communities to conduct life-saving operations, working alongside fellow U.S. rescue teams to locate survivors, provide advanced medical care and assess damaged structures. As part of the Marlins Impact moment during the fourth inning, the club also honored these first responders.
Following the game, there was a concert featuring Ronald Borjas, Luis Fernando Borjas, Víctor Muñoz, Motiff and Los Pikis reimagined as a relief concert. The Marlins presented another check of $40,000 to We Love.