Born in the Dominican Republic, Max had a deep connection to the Latino culture and community. Growing up in a poor, secluded barrio, he understood firsthand the hardships small villages faced and the lack of support. His own experiences helped him connect with the communities he encountered throughout his travels.
At just five years old, Max walked gravel yards in thin sandals, unsure when he would eat again or be reunited with his parents. These memories make the mission deeply personal. Forced to grow up too soon, he still held on to hope and still dared to dream.
After immigrating to the United States and reuniting with his family two years later, Max grew up in a 700-square-foot apartment in New York with his four siblings. Some days, there wasn’t enough food for a full meal. His parents worked hard to provide, and his mother turned to the church for help with food and Christmas gifts for her children.
The experience stayed with him. Soon after a trip to the Dominican Republic, seeing the poverty that still exists, Max, his brother Antonio, and his friend BJ decided they could do more, not just in Jacksonville, but around the world. Reaching the Unreached was born from a simple dream: to bring food, healthcare, education, and ultimately, hope to communities in need. Max says he remembers what it feels like to go without: “Kids don’t pick the circumstances they are born into. That doesn’t mean you can’t change them.”
The goal isn’t simply to arrive with supplies and leave. The team builds relationships, listens, and works alongside the people they meet to help families find a way forward. Sometimes, that means something as simple and meaningful as making sure a child gets to experience Christmas.
Last year, Reaching the Unreached helped provide Christmas for more than 800 children and fed over 200 families. Now, the team is preparing to return to Colombia with an even bigger goal.
On September 25, Jacksonville Gets the Chance to Show Up
As Reaching the Unreached prepares for its next mission trip, Max doesn’t want to face the moment when there are children he can’t reach or families he has to turn away because resources aren’t available.
On September 25, Dare to Dream gives Jacksonville a chance to help change that.
The event at SIP on the Roof will bring together people who believe showing up matters, including leaders throughout Jacksonville who believe we can do more.
This year, the Reaching the Unreached team plans to expand its Christmas mission into Magdalena, Colombia, an isolated region with limited resources and opportunities. The goal is to bring Christmas to 800 children through gifts, experiences, and most importantly, the simple message that they have not been forgotten.
Dare to Dream is about giving children the opportunity to look beyond where they are today and imagine what might be possible tomorrow. Through tickets, silent auction bids, sponsorships, and donations, Jacksonville can help make that possibility a reality.
Somewhere, there is a child who didn’t choose the circumstances they were given.
We can be the people who show up. Tickets to Dare to Dream on September 25 are available online, and you can support Reaching the Unreached and its mission.
