Dear Family, and Friends, 

This is the very first time I have reached out to ask for help in fundraising for a cause that is near and dear to my heart. I began working for the Hispanic Federation over 4 years ago and it has been such a good home for me. It's like a family here! The support we give each other shows not only amongst ourselves but it shines through to all those that we try and help. I arrived here 2 weeks prior to Hurricane Maria and while I was hired for one job, got brought in to assist with the urgent need for Puerto Rico recovery.

The empathy has not subsided, we launched right into emergency mode at the onset of the pandemic and our Grantmaking department (consisting of my boss and I) were able to grant over $7million dollars to Nonprofits across the United States and Puerto Rico. In other words...we're trying to do as much important work for others as possible! 

This year has been filled with both happy and sad times. I lost my beloved Rosie, my eldest cousin due to Lupus and Covid-19. She is survived by her beautiful family including my other favorite cousin on my Dad's side Jessica, my Uncle Mike, Irene and Ceci. She was an amazing human being who had love for everyone. I think she would have been filled with a great deal of joy knowing that I will be running on her behalf to raise money to help others. 

So please, if you can, join me in fundraising for all Latino causes! 

Specifically, the proceeds from our dedicated runners who sign up to run with Hispanic Federation will support our COVID-19 Emergency Assistance Fund and community assistance programs. These funds provide emergency relief, such as cash assistance, food, health, and economic support to meet the many needs of severely impacted Latino families in more than 40 states across the U.S. and Puerto Rico.