Puerto Rican singer Marc Anthony, the salsa superstar behind hits like “Tu Amor Me Hace Bien” (Your Love Is Good For Me), seems to be doing some good of his own lately.
On Monday, the singer-songwriter and his foundation, Maestro Cares, hosted a fundraiser at Chicago’s Sofitel Water Tower that raised over $100,000 to complete a residence hall and learning facility for over 200 children at Orfanato Niños de Cristo (Children of Christ Orphanage) in the Dominican Republic, according to a communiqué by the foundation.
“The creation of Maestro Cares is a testimony to the wonderful spirit of Mr. Anthony and Mr. Cardenas,” said Sonia Hane, Founder of the Orfanato Niños de Cristo in the communiqué. “The commitment of these gentlemen is an inspiration to us, and I am confident that the impact of Maestro Cares will be felt by the children in this country for many years to come.”
The Maestro Cares Foundation was co-founded by Anthony and Colombian-born entrepreneur Henry Cárdenas in January. The non-profit foundation aims to help organizations in Latin America that work with disadvantaged children. Orfanato Niños de Cristo is the first to benefit from Maestro Cares’ work.
“Our mission is to help Latin American children in creating healthy and safe environments, but as major priority will be on supporting their academic needs,” Cárdenas wrote on the website of his marketing agency, Cárdenas Marketing Network, “Education is key for Maestro Cares because it will bring the children closer to their dreams. They are our future leaders.”
Monday’s fundraiser included an auction with high ticket items like an Oscar de la Renta necklace, a Formula One helmet signed by Mexican race car driver Esteban Guitierrez, a guitar autographed by the Mexican rock band Maná, and a jersey signed by Lionel Messi and the entire Argentine soccer team.
“Throughout the years, I've done so many favors for so many people and charities,” Anthony said at the fundraiser according to The Chicago Tribune. “When it's your own, you make phone calls and activate those relationships you've made. I'd never had to call anybody to say ‘I've been there for you, this is important for me. We can make a difference.'”
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