Bartolo Colón, Dr. Tallaj Lead Thanksgiving Food Drive Delivering 4,500 Turkeys to New York Families
A generous donation campaign spearheaded by baseball legend Bartolo Colón and Dr. Ramón Tallaj provided 4,500 turkeys and thousands of bags of Goya products to families in need across New York City this Thanksgiving. The annual event, a collaboration between SOMOS Community Care and the health insurance company Healthfirst, has been a vital source of support for local communities for over two decades.
A Tradition of Giving Back
For more than 20 years, SOMOS Community Care and Healthfirst have partnered to ensure families have access to a Thanksgiving meal. This year’s distribution, significantly boosted by the involvement of Colón and Tallaj, reached families throughout the Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and other New York sectors. The effort was further supported by Rafael Toro, national director of public relations for Goya Foods, and Miguel Centeno, vice president for community engagements at Healthfirst.
Distribution events were strategically located, including the main SOMOS Community Care office at 2910 Exterior Street in the Bronx, and at 571 Academy St, GLE New York, in Upper Manhattan.
“Big Sexy” Brings Joy to the Community
Former Major League pitcher Bartolo Colón, affectionately known as “Big Sexy,” served as a special guest for the event. Despite retiring from professional baseball in 2018, Colón remains a beloved figure, celebrated for his remarkable 21-year career which included stints with 11 teams, including the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, and New York Mets. He amassed an impressive record of 247 wins, 2,535 strikeouts, and a Cy Young Award in 2005 while playing for the Los Angeles Angels – a historic achievement as the first Dominican player to receive the honor.
Colón expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to participate, stating he was “happily excited” to contribute to the Latin community and thanked God for his presence.
Impact and Community Response
“These families have come to depend on this donation campaign each year to make their Thanksgiving meals possible,” said Dr. Tallaj, observing the enthusiastic turnout at the distribution sites. The sentiment was echoed in a message from SOMOS Community Care, which expressed gratitude for another year of community support and extended “Happy Thanksgiving” wishes to all.
Hundreds of families in Upper Manhattan alone benefited from the donations. A senior official noted the profound impact of the initiative, emphasizing that it provides not just a meal, but a sense of hope and connection during the holiday season.
SOMOS Community Care executives, including Alex Damirón, executive Vice President of Operations and Chief of Staff Innovations, and Stephanie Duluc, Chief Of Staff, were actively involved in the effort. Dr. Ramón Tallaj, Chairman Of The Board of SOMOS Community Care, added, “We are excited to organize this new day, providing turkeys and Thanksgiving meals to our neighbors.”
The Healthfirst team, under the leadership of Miguel Centeno, played a crucial role in the deliveries, demonstrating a strong commitment to community engagement.
This annual Thanksgiving food drive exemplifies the power of collaboration and the enduring spirit of giving, ensuring that families across New York City can celebrate the holiday with gratitude and joy.
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