David Ortiz, Dr. Tallaj, SOMOS doctors, and local families will be available for media interviews in both English and Spanish at the event.
MLB Hall of Famer David “Big Papi” Ortiz joins Dr. Ramon Tallaj, Founder and Chairman of SOMOS Community Care, to bring holiday cheer to families in need. Together, they will distribute thousands of toys generously donated by SOMOS Community Care, Dr. Ramon Tallaj Foundation, and Healthfirst Insurance at SOMOS’s annual holiday toy drive.
The event will transform the neighborhood into a festive holiday celebration, with streets closed to traffic to create a safe, family-friendly environment. Highlights include a special appearance by Santa Claus, snacks, educational resources, and live music from a DJ. Families and children will join David Ortiz and Dr. Ramon Tallaj in celebrating the holiday season while giving back to the vibrant Inwood community.
The event is on Saturday, December 14, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Academy Medical Care at 571 Academy Street New York, NY 10034 (The street will be closed to cars and pedestrians).
For over 20 years, SOMOS’s Holiday Toy Drive has been a cherished tradition that embodies SOMOS Community Care’s founding principle, providing care to New York’s most underserved at a time when the high cost of living may prevent families, especially children, from enjoying a festive and celebratory holiday.
Tallaj and Ortiz have a long history of supporting philanthropic causes together, including being honored at the 2021 Maestro Cares Foundation; Dr. Ramon Tallaj and SOMOS were honored with the Maestro Cares Community Hero Award, and David “Big Papi” Ortiz received the Maestro Cares All-star Award.
On Ortiz’s return to New York City, Tallaj said: “When people think of David Ortiz, they think of his legendary career in Boston. But what truly sets him apart is his ongoing humanitarian work, which continues to create a positive impact around the world. It’s an honor to bring David to New York City, where his commitment to giving back aligns with our shared mission to uplift the community. Together, we’re building a lasting legacy focused on making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.”
Hall of Famer, Ortiz, who is hugely popular with the Dominican diaspora, commented, “New York is more than just a city to me—it’s where my Dominican culture holds deep significance. This city has given me so much, and giving back is central to everything I do. It’s an honor to work alongside leaders like Dr. Ramon Tallaj and SOMOS Community Care, who share my passion for helping those in need. Seeing the joy on children’s faces during the holiday season is a powerful reminder of the impact we can create together.”
ABOUT SOMOS:
SOMOS Community Care (SOMOS), is New York’s only provider-led, nonprofit, community-based healthcare network. It is composed of over 2,500 network providers responsible for reaching and delivering culturally competent care to over 1 Million Medicaid lives citywide. For more information on SOMOS, please visit www.somoscommunitycare.org.
Published By: Gracia M.
