MLB-DDA

15 October 2009 - The New York Mets and the MLB-DDA announced the donation of US$44,000 to sponsor the development of small businesses and health services in the province of San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic.  The contribution will directly benefit 100 families affected by HIV/AIDS through a program developed by Esperanza International and Clinica Esperanza y Caridad.

Ronaldo Peralta, the manager of the Commissioners Office of Major League Baseball in the Dominican Republic, and Rafael Perez, the Director of International Operations of the New York Mets, headed the event. 

The objective of the microcredit and health program is to improve the standard of living and strengthen families’ economic stability through education in hygiene, preventative health, and economic development.

Clinica Esperanza y Caridad will train participating families in topics such as hygiene, nutrition, and the prevention of cancer and sexual transmitted diseases.  Through the Banks of Hope program, the beneficiaries will attend a unique educational course to identify small business opportunities that will generate family incomes, learn financial and general management concepts to manage these businesses opportunities, and receive small loans in order to capitalize their small business.