Dominican baseball legend and Cooperstown Hall of Famer David Ortiz was presented with the Humanitarian Award 2025 by The Trust for the Americas and the Organization of American States (OAS), recognizing his profound philanthropic commitment to vulnerable children.
The ceremony, hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Relations (Mirex) on Friday, 5 December 2025, spotlighted Ortiz’s humanitarian efforts through the David Ortiz Children’s Fund, which has facilitated 1,676 pediatric cardiac surgeries and provided specialized evaluations and care for over 16,000 children in both the Dominican Republic and New England, United States.
Through strategic alliances, his foundation provides crucial access to high-level medical services for families facing significant barriers to care.
The prestigious award, previously bestowed upon figures like Bill Clinton, Juanes, and Stanley Motta, marked the first time a Dominican citizen has been recognized, underscoring the hemispheric reach of Ortiz’s work.
Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez led the event at the Mirex Convention Center, alongside OAS representative in the country, Luis Esteban de la Torre, and The Trust for the Americas executive director, Linda Eddleman.
“To have figures of the caliber of David Ortiz, who has always carried his heart and soul, that Dominican spirit and joy outside the country, no one mistakes him for a person from anywhere else but the Dominican Republic,” said Minister Álvarez in his keynote address.
“We embrace that fame and that talent that David has created, and we thank him for it through this recognition, for all this and more. All those children you have helped through your foundation to have a normal life, that places you in a supreme and unique position,” the Minister added.
During the event, attendees also highlighted the extensive impact of The Trust for the Americas, which maintains over two decades of continuous cooperation in the Dominican Republic. In partnership with public and private entities, the organization champions programs in digital inclusion, innovation, employability, and technological training, having benefited nearly 200,000 people.
Key initiatives include a network of 101 Community Technology Centers, innovation labs in collaboration with Adasec Dominicana, and technical training programs developed with AES Dominicana.
Also attending were Mirex vice ministers and directors, OAS authorities, members of the diplomatic corps, business leaders, civil society representatives, David Ortiz’s family, and special guests.
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Presidency
8 December 2025