On June 24, tragedy struck Venezuela’s northern coast when a powerful 7.2-magnitude earthquake shook the region. Just 39 seconds later, a second, even stronger 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck, with its epicenter less than three miles from the first.

In less than a minute, two devastating earthquakes struck communities already struggling under the weight of profound political and economic challenges.

But what happened next, more than 2,000 miles away in Wisconsin, was nothing short of extraordinary.

Shortly after the earthquakes, Forward Latino began receiving calls from members asking how they could help. Within hours, Blessed Sacrament and Our Lady Queen of Peace parishes reached out, offering Blessed Sacrament as a collection site for an emergency relief drive.

Then came another call, this one from Bobby Velez, a Forward Latino member who knows a number of players for the Milwaukee Brewers.  He said Brewers All-Star catcher William Contreras, star outfielder Jackson Chourio and coach Nestor Corredor, all born in Venezuela, wanted to help.

Brewers help spread the word about Venezuela collection drive

Within hours, we announced our "United for Venezuela Emergency Relief Campaign" with a press conference and collection drive to begin less than 48 hours later. The Brewers helped spread the word, announcing the effort during Sunday's game broadcast and numerous media outlets sharing the information.

Then something incredible happened.  In the words of Fr. Norberto Sandoval of Blessed Sacrament Parish, “it was a miracle.”

Before the press conference began, before the relief drive officially opened, cars, pickup trucks and vehicles pulling U-Haul trailers were lined up as far as the eye could see. Families and businesses arrived with blankets, clothing, cots, water, tents, emergency medical supplies and nonperishable food.

William, Jackson and Nestor didn't simply lend their names to the cause. They showed up ready to work, bringing a host of their Brewers teammates with them, all unloading cars and packing boxes.

These professional athletes, admired by millions for their extraordinary abilities on the baseball diamond, were demonstrating something even more meaningful off the field: their character and humanity.

Milwaukee Brewers Foundation steps forward with big boost

The Milwaukee Brewers Foundation also stepped forward, selling T-shirts and directing the proceeds to a Venezuelan nonprofit. The Foundation also donated proceeds from a 50/50 raffle to Forward Latino to help cover our transportation expenses, as we shipped the relief supplies to our partner Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) in Doral, Florida.

GEM played a critical role, coordinating the transportation and distribution of the donated supplies.  Their experience, logistical expertise, and partnership with the U.S. military ensured the emergency supplies were delivered to those it was intended for.  They helped turn the extraordinary generosity of our community into meaningful, life-saving assistance for families struggling to survive.

In all my years of community service and humanitarian work, I have never witnessed a response quite like it.

The willingness of these players to lend their influence, credibility and personal time to help others was remarkable.

By the time our relief effort concluded, more than 28 tons of emergency supplies had been collected from generous individuals, families, businesses and organizations throughout Wisconsin and northern Illinois and delivered to the people of Venezuela.

Twenty-eight tons.

Behind every donated blanket, tent, box of food and medical kit was someone who heard the call to help and donated, and a family that received the life-saving supplies.

Greatness measured by compassion, service to others

For generations, baseball has been America's pastime. It has brought families together, connected neighbors and united communities. But this time, the Milwaukee Brewers helped accomplish something even more important.

At a time of profound division, when immigrants are too often portrayed as threats rather than neighbors, these players, though born in Venezuela, reminded us of something fundamental about being American: that not all victories are measured on a scoreboard. Winning is also measured by the lives touched, suffering eased, and hope restored.

To William Contreras, Jackson Chourio, Nestor Corredor, their teammates and the entire Milwaukee Brewers organization: Thank you for reminding us of what makes America great. Thank you for showing our children that true greatness is measured not only by athletic achievement, but by compassion, humility and service to others.

And thank you to the Blessed Sacrament and Our Lady Queen of Peace Parishes, all of the  volunteers, donors, GEM and the members of the U.S. Military for helping transform an extraordinary outpouring of compassion into hope for families in Venezuela.

Whatever happens on the baseball diamond in the World Series, one thing is already certain: To the thousands of people you inspired, to the families you helped, and to all of us who witnessed what you made possible, the Milwaukee Brewers are already World Champions to us! God bless you all, and Go Brewers!