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.
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 5:06 PM.