“If you have a chance to accomplish something that will make things better for people coming behind you and you don’t do that, you are wasting your time on this Earth.” -Roberto Clemente
One of the books I read this year was a biography about Roberto Clemente by David Maraniss – Clemente, The Passion and Grace of Baseball’s Last Hero. Of course many in Puerto Rico think of him first as a humanitarian before acknowledging he also played baseball quite well. Clemente’s words struck me as I thought about what we have worked to do through Hermandad. Many have told me they have heard this quote though were unsure of its first appearance. While having read it multiple times, I found Houston, Texas in February 1971 as the only specific date and place.
We at Hermandad embrace his sentiment. Each new effort with our island partners grows our recipient list. Hermandad has found new recipients for both our general and memorial funds. What more could we do in difficult financial times for many?
Pondering this, Jean and I have created the “Reverend John and Mrs. Jean Knight Endowment Fund for Puerto Rico” to further the work of Hermandad long after our time on earth has finished. The American Baptist Foundation will manage our endowment.
We have donated $25,000 to begin the endowment. As retired American Baptist clergy, I have been aware of the Foundation’s work for many years. Our fund will both help others now as it grows to help with future needs.
Hermandad stands with those in Puerto Rico facing great need. We started in 2019 with a donation of $1,000. From there, our first act was sending a donated passenger van to Corporación Milagros del Amor (CorMA) in Caguas. We paid for the shipping from Florida to Puerto Rico. Since the beginning, your support has helped us touch the lives of many, young and old.
Now, you can partner with us as we bring more to many. Through our fundraisers, you have made our expanding work possible. Join us now as we “accomplish something that will make things better for people coming behind you.” Find the QR code on our website.
Y ¡muchas gracias!