OUR Charity Partners
The Miami Power Team Foundation
The Miami Power Team Foundation was born from a simple act of compassion.
In 1995, siblings Yoandra, Michael, and Giovanni Sánchez, together with their parents, Miguel and Jacqueline Sánchez, began regularly visiting Edward (“Eddy”) Velázquez, who had been paralyzed following a devastating automobile accident. During a time filled with uncertainty and challenges, the Sánchez family offered him something incredibly valuable: friendship, support, hope, and companionship.
As Eddy spent time with the children, something extraordinary began to happen. Through a combination of modern medicine, rehabilitation, and the unwavering support of the Sánchez family, he started showing signs of progress, regaining movement in his arms and legs and eventually learning to speak again. One of the most emotional moments came when Eddy was able to say Michael’s name, demonstrating the powerful impact that compassion and human connection can have on the recovery process.
Inspired by Eddy’s progress, the Sánchez family began visiting other children with disabilities and special needs throughout the community. What started as a single friendship soon became a mission. In 1996, Miguel Sánchez and his family officially founded the Miami Power Team Foundation, inviting four classmates from their karate school—Ramon Gonzalez, Melanie Rodriguez, Jose Torres, and Raymond Varela—to join their efforts and become part of a team dedicated to serving others.
Since its founding, the Miami Power Team Foundation has inspired more than 500 youth volunteers and positively impacted the lives of more than 2,500 children with disabilities and their families. The organization has received local, national, and international recognition for its unique youth volunteer model and its steadfast commitment to providing hope, friendship, dignity, and support to those who need it most.
Today, this 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization continues to be guided by its founding principle: “All for One and One for All.”
United States / Spain Gastronomy Association (USSGA) and the Miami Power Team Foundation
The United States / Spain Gastronomy Association (USSGA) is proud to designate the Miami Power Team Foundation as its official charitable partner.
As part of this commitment, a portion of every new USSGA membership is directed toward supporting the Foundation’s mission and programs serving children with disabilities and their families.
In addition, the USSGA produces Paella Week, an annual two-week culinary promotion that invites participating restaurants to feature Spanish-inspired dishes such as paellas, tapas, and other regional specialties. Participating restaurants are encouraged to donate $1 or more from each featured dish sold, with those funds benefiting the Miami Power Team Foundation.
The USSGA also supports the Foundation through the Miami Seafood Festival and the U.S. Paella Championship, where various fundraising initiatives are incorporated to generate awareness and financial support for the Foundation’s programs.
Together, the USSGA and the Miami Power Team Foundation demonstrate how gastronomy, community, and compassion can come together to create meaningful opportunities and make a lasting impact on the lives of others.