Hurricane Mitch
On October 29, 1998, hurricane Mitch touched down in Nicaragua and surrounding countries; it became the most devastating hurricane to hit the western hemisphere in two hundred years. It is estimated that 3,800 of the approximately 11,000 people killed by Mitch were Nicaraguans. Moreover, as many as 7,000 other Nicaraguans have never been accounted for; and at least 800,000 were left homeless. The damage caused by hurricane Mitch in Nicaragua has been estimated at $1 billion - more than half the gross national product.

The devastation in Nicaragua prompted Mr. Martinez to spring into action, and thus, our Foundation was born. We raised food, clothing, and medicine; we also sent various containers and 2 cargo flights. We also visited Honduras and Nicaragua with the United States delegation, along with Tipper Gore, wife of former Vice President Al Gore. We will continue to help the victims and do what we can to improve the children's future.