DRSEA Annual Event Slated For June 29, 2012 in NYC

The Dominican Republic Sports & Education Academy will holds it second annual “Making A Difference In The Dominican Republic” June 29 at 6 p.m. at the 809 Club, 112 Dyckman Street, New York, NY.

The event will include a special tribute to Lou Melendez, a senior executive with Major League Baseball, who is retiring at the end of the year after 29 years with the league. Also included will be a panel discussion by experts on the status of Dominican baseball, including the prospect of an international draft. Co-hosting the fundraising event are the Juan Pablo Duarte Foundation, the New York Dominican Officers Organization, and Dominicans on Wall Street.

Photo Gallery from El Play Fundraiser in New York City, June 21, 2011

Alfredo Arias (center) and Gary Goodman (right) of Arias & Goodman Academy, and their guests, join DRSEA's Charles S. Farrell and Sam Brooks.

Sam Brooks (right) and event guests

Alfredo Arias drives home point.

Co-hosting the event was the Juan Pablo Duarte Foundation, which focuses its energy on the educational needs of the Dominican community – the largest, and one of the poorest, immigrant groups in New York City.

The event was well attended, and included several Dominican government representatives, former baseball players, and executives from Major League Baseball.

Julio Pabón advocates education for Dominican prospects

DRSEA Advisor Board member Sam Brooks

Major League Baseball executive Lou Melendez

“El Play” was well received by the audience, but the panel discussion was what set the event apart. While a multitude of opinions were shared, everyone concurred that education has to be a centerpiece in the development of young baseball players in the Dominican Republic.

The DRSEA is looking to screen “El Play” in other venues before the end of the year. Those wishing to make a donation to the Dominican Republic Sports & Education Academy can do so by clicking on the Donate/Sponsor link in the right hand column of this page or by sending a check to the DRSEA at:

Dominican Republic Sports & Education Academy
600 Anita Street, #16
Chula Vista, CA 91911

MLB’s Joel Araujo

“El Play” producer/director
Pablo Medina

Charles S. Farrell introduces panel

Ricardo Ramon, Vice-Minister of Sports for the Dominican Consulate in New York (right), and Alfredo Arias, listen to panel discussion

DRSEA Advisory Board member Juan Matiz

Angel Medina takes in the event.

DRSEA Advisory Board member Peter Cohen

Pablo Medina discusses “El Play”

DRSEA Advisory Board member Eli Navon

809 Lounge

   Photos by Howard Krupa