‘Hamilton’ star Lin-Manuel Miranda helps student with fundraising for farmworker app
Lin-Manuel Miranda, creator of the Broadway blockbuster “Hamilton,” contributed $5,000 to help a high school senior raise the money needed to launch an app to protect farmworkers from heat illness.
Faith Florez, the daughter of former state legislator Dean Florez, said she was thrilled that Miranda’s donation helped her reach her goal of $60,000.
SI SE PUEDE !!! Thank you to everyone who donated to our farm worker app fundraiser!!! We have now raised over $60,000 dollars thanks to some really amazing, extraordinary, wonderful people like...(wait for it, wait for it, wait...) @Lin_Manuel who closed out the campaign! pic.twitter.com/XSbFGcb9db
— Faith Florez (@FaithEFlorez) December 15, 2017
She said Miranda is one of her biggest role models and is a constant inspiration to her. The name of the app, Calor, was inspired by his song, “Pacienca y fe,” which means patience and faith.
“So to have him donate to our project is overwhelmingly extraordinary,” said Florez, who grew up in Shafter but is now a senior at La Cañada High School in Flintridge.
The money will allow her to launch a pilot of the app with 60 workers. The app is designed to alert workers when temperatures reach 95 degrees. It also gives tips for keeping cool and serves as a direct link to first responders in case of emergency.
Robert Rodriguez: 559-441-6327, @FresnoBeeBob
This story was originally published December 15, 2017 at 5:06 PM with the headline "‘Hamilton’ star Lin-Manuel Miranda helps student with fundraising for farmworker app."