International pop superstar Marc Anthony and entrepreneur Henry Cardenas announced today the creation of the Maestro Cares Foundation (MC), a non-profit organization established to benefit charitable organizations in developing Latin American countries. Maestro Cares seeks to offer assistance to orphaned and disadvantaged children while supporting social services and other development programs.

"I'm blessed to be a part of this project," said Anthony. "There are millions of children suffering throughout Latin America. Maestro Cares seeks to make a positive impact in their lives. I'm grateful to [co-founder] Henry Cardenas for his contributions to this initiative and we are both eager to get started. I hope Maestro Cares will inspire others to do the same."

Initial projects involve assisting in the development of orphanages in Puerto Rico, Colombia, and the Dominican Republic by providing food, school supplies, dorm rooms, classrooms and clinics so that children are surrounded by a healthy environment for learning. By providing children with education, recreation and other development programs within an orphanage, Maestro Cares seeks to instill a culture that includes a strong work ethic, confidence, discipline and hope.

"Our mission is to help Latin American children in creating healthy and safe environments, but a major priority is also supporting their academic needs," said Cardenas. "Education is key for Maestro Cares because it will bring the children closer to their dreams. They are our future leaders."

The Maestro Cares Foundation will work in association with other organizations to help fund programs that directly improve the wellbeing of children. The first of the orphanages that will benefit from Maestro Cares is Orfanato Niños de Cristo in La Romana in the Dominican Republic, where 40 boys are in need of housing.

"The creation of Maestro Cares is a testimony to the wonderful spirit of Mr. Anthony and Mr. Cardenas," said Sonia Hane, Founder of Orfanato Niños de Cristo Orphanage. "The commitment of these gentlemen is an inspiration to us, and I am confident that the impact of Maestro Cares will be felt by the children in this country for many years to come."

For more information, visit maestrocares.org. You can also follow Maestro Cares on Twitter @MaestroCares and Facebook (Facebook.com/Maestro Cares).

A special account in the name of the Maestro Cares Foundation has been set up to receive donations and individuals will also be able to contribute to Maestro Cares through a series of concerts in 2012 to support the work of the Foundation.