With the objective to contribute to the welfare of Puerto Rican society, Peter G. Alfond left a testamentary bequest that established in the Puerto Rico Community Foundation (PRCF), the PGA Legacy Fund for Puerto Rico. The fund was motivated by Peter's love for Puerto Rico, a love he evidenced in life with other philanthropic initiatives that he executed under anonymity. Peter designated his friend, José Ismael Irizarry, as representative of the fund, whose purpose would be developed by Irizarry.
To date, a philanthropic impact of $24,000 has been achieved, benefiting the musical education of four students at the Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music and two non-profit organizations that work for the welfare of animals and youth. The fund's acronym refers to Peter's name, but also to three key words for this American philanthropist: passion (passion), giving (give) and accountability (responsibility).
Jocelyn Capeles, FCPR's Manager of Philanthropic Services and Relationship Management, has reviewed on the fund that Peter was “a mentor, a man of kindness, a fervent believer in the mind-body connection; an inspired philanthropist, as well as a successful international businessman and a highly creative thinker.”.
As a representative of the fund, Irizarry has been vigilant in developing social initiatives that continue the donor's legacy: A Sato with Meaning, an endowment that supports the rescue of homeless sato dogs to become service animals for veterans; scholarships to music students, particularly French horn players; and donations to organizations focused on youth leadership development.
The beneficiary organizations have been: Boys & Girls Club of Puerto Rico and Alianza Pro-Rescate de Animales Inc. Meanwhile, the students benefited with supplementary scholarships are: Melissa Niño (horn), Francisco Betancourt Morejón (horn), Mariangely Sánchez Román (bassoon) and Janice N. Santiago Cintrón (flute).
“For me, managing the Peter Gary Alfond fund has been a blessing. It allows me to recognize the needs and opportunities that our country has, and to be able to apply them (those opportunities) in a way that allows us to help others, because helping others is helping you,” said Irizarry. “We want a dignified, healthy and peaceful future for Puerto Ricans,” he added.