Red Ventures CEO and Puerto Rico native Ric Elias initially launched Stronger Than Ever in 2017 as Rebuild Puerto Rico, a nonprofit to rebuild the island in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria.

In 2017, in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, Ric created a new nonprofit with the goal of raising at least $10 million to help his home country. He also pledged to personally match donations up to $5 million, working with a team to evaluate the most critical areas of need and to get help to vulnerable populations who might otherwise fall through the cracks.

“While I am inspired by the resilience of Puerto Rico and by the relief efforts already underway, it’s clear that there will be many more months and years of suffering to come,” Elias said. “Our top priority is to make sure our funds have the greatest possible impact on people’s lives. We’re working to identify the most immediate needs and getting relief to vulnerable populations. After that, the focus will shift to catalyze long-term solutions, and ultimately, to help rebuild.”

Since then, Rebuild Puerto Rico has provided more than 100 homes to those in need on the island, and launched Forward787, which brought together Puerto Rico’s young and motivated professionals to kickstart the island’s next chapter of economic growth.