David Ortiz is the first Dominican to receive this distinction from this organization affiliated with the OAS.
Santo Domingo de Guzmán, Dominican Republic.—The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MIREX) hosted the ceremony in which The Trust for the Americas and the Organization of American States (OAS) presented the 2025 Humanitarian Award to Dominican philanthropist and Cooperstown Hall of Fame inductee David Ortiz, in recognition of his outstanding work on behalf of vulnerable children.
Through the David Ortiz Children's Fund, his humanitarian work has enabled 1,676 pediatric heart surgeries, as well as specialized evaluations and care for more than 16,000 children in both the Dominican Republic and New England, United States. His foundation has successfully forged partnerships that provide access to high-level medical services for families facing severe barriers to access.
The event, held at the MIREX Convention Center, was led by Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez, the OAS representative in the country, Luis Esteban De La Torre, and the executive director of The Trust for the Americas, Linda Eddleman.
The Humanitarian Award has previously been granted to figures such as Bill Clinton, Juanes, and Stanley Motta, and for the first time it recognizes a Dominican citizen, highlighting the hemispheric projection of Ortiz's work.
During the keynote remarks at the event, Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez said that “having had figures of the stature of David Ortiz, who have always carried their heart and soul, that Dominican spirit and joy outside the country, no one mistakes him for someone from anywhere else but the Dominican Republic. We wrap ourselves in that fame and that talent that David has created, and we thank him for that through this recognition, for everything and more. All those children that you have helped through your foundation to have a normal life, that puts you in a towering and different place,” said Minister Álvarez.
The welcome to the activity was given by the director of Specialized Diplomacy of MIREX, María Alejandra Castillo de Rault, who emphasized that this directorate promotes sports as a tool for outreach, leadership, and international projection. “David Ortiz’s career confirms that power: his example inspires, unites communities, and elevates the name of the Dominican Republic before the world.”.
The OAS representative in the country, Luis Esteban de La Torre, stated that “for the Organization of American States, this Humanitarian Award is an opportunity to underscore our conviction that the protection of children and adolescents is a hemispheric priority. Together with The Trust for the Americas and partners such as the Dominican Republic, we are promoting initiatives that seek to close inequality gaps and expand opportunities for those living in vulnerable situations. The recognition of David Ortiz honors leadership that transforms lives and reflects, in practice, the principles that guide the OAS’s work in the region.”.
For her part, Linda Eddleman, executive director of The Trust for the Americas, stated that “this award honors the kind of leadership that truly changes lives. David has used his story and his influence to open doors, restore hope, and bring aid where it’s needed most. At The Trust for the Americas, we work to create opportunities throughout the region, and his humanitarian work embodies that spirit of collaboration that drives real results for thousands of families.”
During the ceremony, David Ortiz thanked them for the honor and acknowledged the work of professionals and organizations that make this mission possible.
The institutions also highlighted the impact of The Trust for the Americas in the country, where it has maintained more than two decades of continuous cooperation. In partnership with public and private entities, the organization promotes programs focused on digital inclusion, innovation, employability, and technology training that have benefited nearly 200,000 people in various communities across the country.
Among its initiatives, the network of 101 Community Technology Centers, the innovation laboratories implemented in partnership with ADASEC Dominicana in Bonao, La Vega, and Baní, and technical training programs developed with AES Dominicana stand out.
The event was attended by vice ministers and directors of MIREX; OAS authorities; representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in the country; business leaders; members of civil society organizations; family members of David Ortiz; and special guests.