OUR Charity Partners
The Miami Power Team Foundation
The Story of Miami Power Team Foundation: A Friendship That Became a Mission
The Miami Power Team Foundation began with a friendship.
In 1995, Miguel and Jacqueline Sánchez and their three children—Yoandra, 5; Michael, 7; and Giovanni, 9—began visiting Edward “Eddy” Velázquez, a teenager who had been left paralyzed after a devastating car accident. They returned regularly for a year, bringing friendship, encouragement, and the energy of three young children into his life.
At first, Eddy had very limited movement and rarely tried to speak. The Sánchez children spent time with him, shared karate demonstrations, and encouraged him to engage with them. Over time, his family began to see signs of progress: Eddy moved his arms and legs and eventually spoke a word. One moment the family still remembers is hearing him say Michael’s name. As Eddy’s condition improved, he began receiving therapy at Baptist Hospital in Miami.
Eddy’s mother shared his progress with other families whose children faced serious challenges. When several mothers asked to contact Miguel, she first sought his permission. He agreed, and the Sánchez family began visiting more children. That first year, they reached approximately 25 children in their community.
What began as one friendship had become a calling. In 1996, Miguel Sánchez and his family formally established the Miami Power Team Foundation. Four classmates from their karate school—Ramon Gonzalez, Melanie Rodriguez, Jose Torres, and Raymond Varela—joined them in building a team devoted to serving children and families.
Since then, the Foundation has inspired more than 1,500 youth volunteers and touched the lives of more than 10,000 children and their families. Its work reaches children with terminal illnesses, children awaiting organ transplants, and children living with cancer, autism, and physical or visual disabilities. The organization has received local, national, and international recognition for its youth volunteer model and its commitment to offering friendship, dignity, hope, and practical support.
Miami Power Team Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. It receives no government funding, and no member receives a salary or compensation. Every member serves as a volunteer.
Today, the spirit that brought one family to Eddy’s side continues to guide the Foundation:
“All for One and One for All.”
Support the Miami Power Team Foundation: miamipowerteam.org
Contact the Foundation: (786) 586-9150
YouTube: Miami Power Team Channel
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.