By Mark Hays
What started as an escape from the pandemic for an Arcadia couple soon became so much more. For the past three years, Dave and Jeanette Andrea have traveled to Cabarete, a town in the Dominican Republic, to donate baseball equipment to the area’s youth.
“We started coming here for the summer in July 2020 and immediately saw the need once we met some local parents and their kids,” Dave said.
The couple are avid kite surfers, and Dave explained that Cabarete is one of the top spots in the world to enjoy the sport. After noticing how much the local youth loved to play baseball – and their lack of proper equipment – the duo decided to help.
First, they started buying used equipment from Play it Again Sports. Shortly after, they decided to reach out to the community.
“I had an idea to reach out through our Arcadia neighborhood blog to see if anyone had equipment or school supplies stored away that they might like to donate. The response was overwhelmingly positive,” Dave said. “Now, we are just transportation for the donations from others.”
On their trips, the couple brings as many donations as possible, with supplies extending beyond baseball equipment.
“We always ask the locals if there is anything we can bring back from the States,” said Dave. “The answer is always the same, school supplies and baseball equipment for 6 to 12-year-olds.”
When the duo arrives, they give the donations to baseball coaches who distribute it based on need. Dave explained that the coaches know best which kids have gear and which ones cannot afford it.
“Even though most of my work is centered around baseball, I take an active role in ensuring that these kids stay in school and keep up their grades,” Coach Alfre Ruiz said. “We have developed some very successful professional baseball players, like Emmanuel Clase, but I am most proud of the kids that have gone on to be successful in other professions.”
The donations bring more than just material assistance to recipients – they bring hope.
“Baseball is a passion in that country, and they’re all inspired by the successes from their home,” Jeanette said.
“I have lived in this community my whole life, and this program has taught my son and the other kids much more than just baseball,” parent Raul Urbano said.
Despite the economic hardships of the Dominican Republic, Dave and Jeanette say they were welcomed with open arms to the community of Cabarete.
“They’ve been so accepting. It’s just nice to give back and help make them happy,” Jeanette said.
The couple wants folks to know that donations are continuously accepted. Those who want to donate can drop items off at Brat Haus (3622 N. Scottsdale Road) from Wednesday-Sunday, 3-9 p.m. Donators will receive a free pretzel card.
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