When the earth shook in Mexico City, and as the humanitarian crisis deepens in Puerto Rico devastated by Hurricane Maria, heart-broken Hispanics in Queens, New York come together to mobilize efforts in sending help to their motherlands. Mexico and Puerto Rico have both been living in critical conditions after being hit with Hurricanes, Earthquakes, and extreme flooding. Storm victims are continuously waiting for basic needs, such as water, and food. Reporter for Baruch College, Tiffany Ponce, will be covering the event.
“Bienvenidos, Bienvendios!” DJ Andresrosero said as the Fuerza Mexico, Fuerza Puerto Rico event began. “Muchas gracias a Evelyn Santos. Gracias por la invitacion y por compartir tu espiritu solidario con todo los Latinos de Nueva York.”
Which translates to,“Welcome, Welcome!” DJ Andresrosero said as the Fuerza Mexico, Fuerza Puerto Rico event began. “Thank you very much to Evelyn Santos. Thank you for the invitation and for sharing your spirit of solidarity with all the Latinos in New York.”

Evelyn Santos is a 24-year-old Ecuadorian woman, who is filled with love for her Hispanic community. Every other day, Santos is a full-time student at Queensborough Community College and a sales associate at Swarovski. This week, she planned and hosted the Fuerza event to raise funds for the victims of Mexico and Puerto Rico. The event took place in a local restaurant called D’Antigua in Jackson Heights, Queens. Fuerza has been created to bring the Hispanics of the community together for a good cause. One hundred and seventeen Hispanics participated in the event, showing their love and support.
“Something inside me was like I want to do something, I want to be able to help out because if it was one of us in this situation, I would like to receive help.” Santos said. “Maybe I’m going to have 10 people, maybe I’m going to have 200 people show up. Whatever we can collect, whatever we can do, I have the opportunity to get it done here. “
In only 3 days, Santos used her contacts, resources, and social media to put together the event, bringing the Hispanic community to join her at D’Antigua. Santos contacted DJ Andresrosero, DJ Franklin, and Dj Emjay to promote the event, in hopes of a bigger and better outcome.
Carolina Gomez, 23, a close friend to Santos, isn’t surprised that Santos would use her free time to give back, as she describes Santos as having a big heart. Although, Gomez admits she was taken back a bit on the outcome of the event.
“This event brings all the Hispanic communities together, and it is nice to see everyone come and support. It is really mind-blowing seeing so many different countries, so many different nationalities come together for a great cause,” said Gomez.
Hurricane Maria’s catastrophic impact on Puerto Rico has left the island completely crippled and without power as residents’ struggle to pick up the pieces. The majority of homes, roads and vegetation across the island have been destroyed. The quake in Mexico caused buildings to sway in Mexico City and sent people throughout the city fleeing from homes and offices. Millions of people, in two different locations, were, and still are in danger, while President Trump took to Twitter to address other issues such as the NFL protest.
“The group of my friends that are helping aren’t Mexican or Puerto Rican. They were like, these people need help and a lot of them acted right away. President Trump hasn’t done anything to help Mexico or Puerto Rico, or maybe it has taken him so long because it is not in his best interest to, he could’ve done much more than I can,” Santos said.
The road to recovery will be long. Puerto Rico, after the storm, is expected to remain off the electricity grid for the rest of October. Authorities in Mexico have confirmed at least 2000 buildings collapsed or suffered structural damage in Mexico City during the 7.1 magnitude earthquake. The Trust Fuerza Mexico, created by the business community in Mexico, will reconstruct houses, schools, buildings, and some historical monuments
“For tonight, I didn’t know what to expect to be honest. My goal was at least $1,000, let’s see where we get but like I said, my mind set is I know one donation more, or 200 donations more is something we didn’t have before,” Santos said.
Evelyn Santos raised $1,143 in her Fuerza Mexico, Fuerza Puerto Rico event. She will be splitting the funds equally between Red Cross and Diego Luna’s fundraiser. In addition to the money raised, Santos collected many items victims need daily and has already sent them out. Gomez and Santos have joined together to plan a second fundraiser. The fundraiser will take place on October 21st. They are aiming to have a bigger outcome and raise double.
“Fuerza Mexico, Fuerza Puerto Rico,” DJ Andresrosero repeated throughout the night.