In a heartwarming display of generosity, Salvador Perez, the beloved Kansas City Royals catcher, has made headlines off the field by donating his entire bonus—including $5 million from his 2025 salary—to Save the Children, a global charity dedicated to improving the lives of children worldwide. The announcement, made on March 23, 2025, has sparked widespread admiration for the All-Star athlete, whose impact now extends far beyond the baseball diamond.
Perez, a veteran leader for the Royals and a fan favorite, is no stranger to giving back. Throughout his career, he has supported various charitable causes, including the Urban Youth Academy in Kansas City and The Special Olympics. However, this latest act of philanthropy stands out as one of the most significant contributions by an athlete to a single organization in recent memory. With his 2025 base salary set at $22 million as part of a four-year, $82 million contract signed in 2021, Perez’s decision to donate such a substantial portion underscores his commitment to making a difference.
Save the Children, an international nonprofit founded over a century ago, works tirelessly to provide children with access to education, healthcare, and protection from harm. In 2023 alone, the organization reached over 105 million children across 115 countries. Perez’s $5 million donation will bolster these efforts, particularly in regions facing crises like hunger, conflict, and climate-related disasters. “I’ve been blessed with so much,” Perez said in a statement. “Kids deserve a chance to grow up healthy and happy, and I want to help make that happen.”
The timing of Perez’s donation couldn’t be more critical. As global challenges like poverty and inequality deepen, organizations like Save the Children rely heavily on private contributions to sustain their programs. Perez’s gift will likely fund initiatives ranging from emergency relief to long-term development projects, offering hope to millions of vulnerable children. Fans and fellow athletes alike have taken to social media to praise his selflessness, with many calling it a “game-changer” for both the charity and the sports world.
Perez’s journey to this moment reflects his humble roots. Born in Valencia, Venezuela, he signed with the Royals in 2006 for a modest $65,000 bonus. Since then, he’s risen to become one of baseball’s most respected figures, earning eight All-Star selections and breaking records, including the single-season MLB mark for most home runs by a primary catcher (48 in 2021). Yet, despite his success, Perez has remained grounded, often crediting his family and faith for his values.
This donation also shines a light on the power of athletes as philanthropists. While Perez joins a growing list of sports stars using their platforms for good, his contribution stands out for its scale and directness. As the Royals gear up for the 2025 season, Perez’s legacy is already cemented—not just as a champion on the field, but as a hero to children worldwide. His generosity reminds us all that sometimes, the biggest wins happen far from the scoreboard.
