Home Sweet Home: Tovar, Venezuela

Yasmile and Johan Santana were born and raised in Tovar, Merida, Venezuela. Their love for their childhood town draws them back year after year. Tovar is situated in a small valley surrounded by lush green mountains with an average temperature of 21 degrees Celsius. It is known for its coffee and its greatest baseball player, Johan Santana.

Since 2005, the Santana Family has been working to make a difference in the community of Tovar, especially in the lives of its children. In 2006, the Santanas started a Foundation in Venezuela. The Foundation's mission focuses on helping the children of Tovar. The Foundation has distributed toys, provided assistance to the local hospital, given baseball equipment to community sports programs, donated Fire equipment, and lent their support to a myriad of local fundraising events meant to raise monies for the critical needs of the region.

EL CYONAZO, the brainchild of Yasmile Santana. It is an annual celebration that focuses on baseball, athletics and the community of Tovar. It is a weekend-long event that is underwritten by the Santanas and local corporate sponsors.