Curry Family Foundation Allocates Funds to Protect Abused Children in Puerto Rico

At the “Havana Nights” event, funds were distributed that will go directly to protective homes offering shelter, education, and hope to minors who are victims of abuse on the island.

(San Juan, Puerto Rico) – The Curry Family Foundation announced the delivery of over $800,000 to 20 entities; among them, 12 certified protective homes in Puerto Rico, 5 educational institutions, and 3 medical support organizations, with the aim of strengthening the services provided to children and youth who are victims of abuse and neglect under State custody.

The funds were distributed during the annual “Havana Nights” gala, held on October 24th at the Antiguo Casino de Puerto Rico, which brought together more than 250 people from the social and business sectors who support child protection on the island, representatives from more than 20 protective homes, community leaders, and private sector allies.

“It fills us with hope to see so many people unite in solidarity with our commitment to support these children. Thanks to their generosity, today we can continue providing shelter, care, and love where it is most needed. Above all, we especially want to thank Mike and Tina Hodges, who have always been present with their selfless and ongoing support,” expressed Mark Curry, CEO of the Foundation, during the event.

Mark Curry also mentioned the high costs faced by the homes in protecting abused children on the island, noting that these expenses make it impossible for the government and nonprofit entities to offer all the services these minors require.

“Protective homes, 58 in total across Puerto Rico, depend on entities like ours to supplement the annual funds they receive. Likewise, we maintain a policy of allocating 100% of the funds raised directly to these entities, which provide housing, food, clothing, education, therapy, and support to minors between the ages of 0 and 18,” Curry added.

Similarly, Miguel Príncipe, president of the organization, highlighted the urgency of supporting these homes, pointing out that, according to a study by Estudios Técnicos, cases of child abuse increased by 18.1% in 2024 compared to 2023, and 1,807 minors were reassigned to foster homes.

“This aid arrives at a critical moment, amid a rise in abuse cases and a reduction in the number of homes available to take in minors. Every dollar raised represents much more than a financial contribution; it symbolizes a safe place, a warm meal, access to education, and above all, hope for a child who deserves a second chance,” Príncipe emphasized.

This year, the fundraising exceeded $800,000, funds that were donated 100% to protective homes for children who are victims of abuse and mistreatment in Puerto Rico. Additionally, the Foundation covered all administrative costs and the production of the gala with personal funds from its founder, Mark Curry, thus achieving a total contribution that surpassed one million dollars in support of the noble mission to care for, protect, and heal abused children on the island.

The Foundation has official recognition and approval from the Joint Special Commission on Legislative Funds for Community Impact, which accredits it to receive donations from individuals covered under decrees 20/22 and 60. Thanks to this approval, we can issue valid donation certificates that allow donors to meet the annual contribution requirement of $10,000 established by these decrees, thereby strengthening collective impact in favor of children in Puerto Rico.

About the Curry Family Foundation

The Mark E. Curry Family Foundation (MECFF) was born from the conviction that the well-being of children and their families is the most valuable investment a society can make. Since its inception in 2010, and its formal establishment as a 501(c)(3) entity in 2015, the Foundation has supported hundreds of families in Puerto Rico, channeling its assistance through nonprofit organizations that transform the lives of children who are victims of abuse and mistreatment.

Throughout its history, the Foundation has contributed more than $3.7 million for this cause in Puerto Rico, allocating 100% of the funds raised directly to the homes and entities that protect these minors. All operational and fundraising costs are covered with personal funds from its founder, Mark E. Curry, guaranteeing that every donation reaches where it is needed most: to heal, care for, and offer new opportunities for life to the children of Puerto Rico.