Houston Astros outfielder Carlos Beltran has raised more than $1 million for Puerto Rican hurricane relief in less than 24 hours, according to a Crowdrise page set up by the baseball player.
The Puerto Rico native kicked off his crowdfunding on Friday by making a personal donation of $1 million. Since his announcement and as of press time, the page has raised an additional $30,000 from 231 donors. Beltran’s donation will go toward Puerto Ricans still reeling from the damage inflicted by Hurricane Maria and Hurricane Irma. Hurricane Maria, the strongest storm the island has seen in more than 80 years, left the entire island without power.
Puerto Rico Hurricane Relief Fund | Created by Carlos & Jessica Beltran https://t.co/H5jA8J7lhF
— Carlos Beltran (@carlosbeltran15) September 22, 2017
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xq4neyiAY38
Wrote Beltran on the Crowdrise page: “The devastation that Hurricane Maria has brought to Puerto Rico is unimaginable, leaving the island without power for the indefinite future. Many of us are still praying and waiting to hear from our loved ones to just know they are OK.”
Beltran wrote the proceeds will be donated to the Fundacion Carlos Beltran, so the family can “personally insure that all funds go where they will be needed the most to help when the water recedes.”
Fans and friends on Twitter responded favorably to his announcement of his foundation.
People throughout the nation, please help Carlos and his family and his great island
— Peter Gammons (@pgammo) September 22, 2017
https://twitter.com/donkos/status/911365644339355648
A la verdad q eres tremendo orgullo para todos los Boricuas!!Que Dios te Bendiga!!🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
— Mary Bentz (@fanaticapr6) September 23, 2017
Beltran is not the only baseball player to crowdfund for Puerto Rico.
St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina and Los Angeles Dodgers utility man Enrique “Kike” Hernandez, along with Carmelo Anthony of the New York Knicks, have donated funds to hurricane relief efforts, according to ESPN.