Latin GRAMMY®-winning artist Eladio Carrión celebrated the fifth edition of SAUCEGIVING with resounding success. This now-traditional social-impact initiative has, year after year, become one of Puerto Rico’s most anticipated community celebrations. The event brought together thousands of attendees — families, young people, animal lovers, sports fans, and music followers — in a day that combined entertainment, solidarity, sports, and culture in a single space: the Néstor Morales Stadium in Humacao.
SAUCEGIVING has become a cornerstone of Fundación Rimas’ Sauce for a Cause program. This year, it once again demonstrated its growth and significance on the island, solidifying itself as a platform that not only entertains but also creates genuine connections with the community. Participants enjoyed a wide variety of activities that kept the energy high throughout the entire day. From sports competitions to educational dynamics and recreational spaces, each moment was carefully designed to strengthen family bonding and promote a positive, safe environment. As the event host, Eladio Carrión stayed close to attendees, interacted with them, and reiterated his commitment to continue elevating this initiative with each new edition.
“Every year we do SAUCEGIVING, I realize how big something can become when it’s done with intention and real love. I started this wanting to give something beautiful to my people, but what has happened since then goes way beyond me. Seeing kids having fun, families together, dogs finding homes, athletes and artist friends flying in from everywhere just to support… that’s priceless. Puerto Rico has a unique vibe, and when everyone comes together for a good cause, you can feel an energy that doesn’t exist anywhere else. I make music and travel the world, but SAUCEGIVING connects me to what matters most: my island, my people, and what truly counts. As long as the community keeps responding like this, I’ll keep giving it even more every year. This is for you all, for my people, for Puerto Rico…” said Eladio Carrión.
One of the most notable experiences was the traditional Celebrity Softball Game, which featured internationally renowned sports figures. Among them were Fernando Tatís Jr., Ronald Acuña Jr., Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Ezequiel Tovar, Esmerlyn Valdez, Starling Marte, Edwin “Sugar” Díaz, Oneil Cruz, and Alexis Díaz, who showcased not only their athletic talent but also their willingness to connect with Puerto Rican fans. Their presence brought excitement, closeness, and healthy competition that kept spectators on the edge of their seats. Athletes from other disciplines — including basketball player Walter Hodge and boxing champions Amanda Serrano and Óscar Collazo — added diversity and prestige to the sports lineup.
Another new feature that generated great anticipation was the Home Run Derby, where Vladimir Guerrero Jr. emerged as the winner, showcasing his incredible talent and earning the crowd’s ovation. Additionally, the announcement and participation of four MLB captains added excitement: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Ezequiel Tovar led one team, while Fernando Tatís Jr. and Ronald Acuña Jr. captained the opposing squad. This dynamic heightened competitiveness and sparked a new level of enthusiasm among attendees, who enjoyed the spectacle these stars delivered in a relaxed, accessible, and camaraderie-filled environment.
On the musical side, the event featured artists such as Tito El Patrón, Willy from Cultura Profética, Beto and Fofo from Rawayana, Brayy, Hydro, Jon Z, Marconi Impara, Ñejo, Noriel, Slayter, Danny Towers, Siggy Vázquez, and El Gúru, among others. Their energy and charisma created a festive atmosphere that perfectly complemented the sports component, proving that SAUCEGIVING is much more than an event — it is a complete celebration that unites disciplines and generations.
Beyond the sports action and artistic showcases, SAUCEGIVING reaffirmed its commitment to animal welfare by offering a dog-adoption area and maintaining a fully pet-friendly experience. Entire families enjoyed the event alongside their pets, reinforcing the message of inclusion and social responsibility that defines this celebration. Food areas, interactive stations, sports clinics, and the many surprises that arose throughout the day rounded out an experience that left everyone feeling they had been part of something meaningful and special.
Eladio Carrión’s vision was evident in every detail of the day: an authentic desire to create an event that inspires, brings the community together, promotes values, and offers a positive alternative for youth. The fifth edition of SAUCEGIVING not only met those goals but exceeded expectations, making it clear that this project continues to grow and will keep expanding in reach and impact.
With its unique blend of sports, entertainment, education, and social commitment, SAUCEGIVING once again positions itself as an emblematic celebration for Puerto Rico. The success of this edition confirms that Eladio Carrión and his team continue building a legacy that inspires and truly influences the community, paving the way for future editions that promise to be even more memorable.
