In a remarkable display of empathy and purpose beyond the baseball diamond, rising stars Marcelo Mayer, Kristian Campbell, and Roman Anthony have pledged $175 million to fund the creation of a resettlement village in Colombia for children orphaned by the nation’s decades-long anti-drug conflict.

The project, named “Raíces Blancas” — Spanish for “White Roots” — will serve as both a sanctuary and a symbol. Designed to help children find stability, community, and new beginnings, the name reflects the vision of rebirth and growth rising from even the darkest of pasts.

“We wanted to create more than shelter — we wanted to build a future,” said Marcelo Mayer. “These kids have lived through unimaginable trauma. ‘Raíces Blancas’ is about giving them a place to feel safe, to heal, and to grow.”

Planned for construction near Medellín, once a stronghold of cartel activity and one of the areas most affected by Colombia’s internal conflict, the village will include over 300 sustainable homes, schooling facilities, mental health and trauma care centers, sports complexes, and community gardens. It will also feature arts and culture spaces to help children explore self-expression and rediscover joy.

Kristian Campbell spoke about the emotional weight behind the project:

“We’ve all been given a platform through baseball — and we believe that platform should be used to give something back. These kids didn’t choose their circumstances. But we can help change their future.”

For Roman Anthony, who has spoken previously about the responsibility young athletes have to be role models, this initiative reflects the values he hopes to carry with him throughout his career.

“This isn’t about charity. It’s about justice. Every child deserves a chance to dream, to play, to be loved. If we can offer that, even to a few, then we’ve done something meaningful.”

The donation is being coordinated in partnership with local NGOs, child welfare experts, and urban planners to ensure the village is culturally sensitive, environmentally sustainable, and centered around the long-term needs of its residents.

The announcement has sparked widespread praise from the sports world and humanitarian organizations alike. Social media has rallied around the hashtag #WhiteRoots, hailing the trio for their compassion and leadership.

Construction of Raíces Blancas is scheduled to begin by the end of 2025, with the first families expected to move in by early 2027.

In a sport where legends are often defined by numbers, Marcelo Mayer, Kristian Campbell, and Roman Anthony are showing that the greatest legacy is the one you build in the lives of others.