Alex Bregman Donates $2 Million to Young Boy Who Used His Last Birthday Money to Help Homeless Woman Selling Candy at Walmart
Chicago, IL – October 15, 2025 — In an extraordinary act of kindness, Houston Astros third baseman Alex Bregman has made a generous $2 million donation to 8-year-old Mateo, a young boy from Chicago who used his final $23 in birthday money to help a homeless woman selling candy at a local Walmart. Bregman, who has built a reputation for his philanthropic work off the field, was deeply moved by Mateo’s selflessness and decided to reward his compassionate act with a life-changing contribution.
Mateo, who celebrated his eighth birthday with excitement, was faced with a tough decision when he encountered a woman selling candy outside a Walmart store. The woman, struggling to make ends meet, had been standing on the corner for hours, hoping to sell enough candy to get by. When Mateo noticed the woman, he could tell she was in need, and without hesitation, he approached her and handed over his entire birthday gift of $23.
“I didn’t need the money,” Mateo said. “She looked like she really needed help, so I gave it to her. It made me feel good to help someone, and I knew it was the right thing to do.”
News of Mateo’s kind gesture quickly spread through social media and local news outlets, capturing the hearts of people around the world. Alex Bregman, who has been involved in several charitable endeavors throughout his career, was particularly moved by the story. “When I heard about what Mateo did, I couldn’t believe it. For an 8-year-old to give up everything he had to help someone else – that’s the kind of heart we need more of in this world,” Bregman said in a statement.
Inspired by Mateo’s generosity, Bregman reached out to the young boy and his family, offering a donation of $2 million. The money will go into a fund to help Mateo’s education, as well as support local charities that assist the homeless. “Mateo’s selflessness really touched me, and I wanted to do something to help him and make sure he continues to grow up with a heart full of compassion,” Bregman added.
The donation will provide Mateo with access to better educational opportunities, as well as financial support to ensure he can continue helping those in need. Mateo’s mother expressed her gratitude for Bregman’s gesture, saying, “We’re so thankful for Alex’s kindness. This will help Mateo achieve his dreams and continue to be the kind-hearted boy that he is.”
For Mateo, the $2 million donation is not just about the financial help—it’s a reminder that even the smallest acts of kindness can have a profound impact on others. “I’m really happy that I helped someone, and now Alex is helping me,” Mateo said with a smile. “I just want to keep helping people when I can.”
As for Bregman, the donation is another testament to his dedication to making the world a better place. “We all have the power to do good in this world, and Mateo is a great example of that,” Bregman said. “I hope his story inspires others to act with kindness and compassion, just like he did.”
Mateo’s story has inspired countless others to give back and has proven that no act of kindness is ever too small to make a big difference.
Cam Ward reacts to the suggestion that "Ward's development" was a major reason Callahan was shown the door after compiling a 4–19 record in fewer than two full seasons in charge
Tennessee Titans quarterback and 2025 No. 1 overall draft pick Cam Ward probably didn't imagine back in the spring that head coach Brian Callahan would be fired just six games into Ward's rookie season. Nevertheless, that's exactly what happened roughly 24 hours after the Titans fell to 1-5 on the campaign.
While speaking with reporters on Wednesday, Ward opened up about losing the first head coach of his professional career as the Titans prepare to host the New England Patriots (4-2) this coming Sunday.
Cam Ward trying to focus on Patriots after Brian Callahan firing
"I think from a day-to-day process, it really doesn't change anything, coming from myself to the other players on the team," Ward said about what he has experienced since Callahan was dismissed this past Monday, per Paul Kasabian of Bleacher Report. "We still have our routine to install the game plan that we go through. Nothing really changes. I think the biggest thing, just, you feel for [Callahan] just because, like, what he's done for me to get to this point, just through the draft prep, through the offseason training camp work, you know, how he's helped me get to this point. And so I feel for him."
Days before the Titans endured an ugly 20-10 Week 6 loss at the Las Vegas Raiders, Ward admitted that he was "not playing how I want to play right now." It was subsequently suggested that "Ward's development" was a big reason Callahan was shown the door after he compiled a 4-19 record in fewer than two full seasons in charge. According to ESPN stats, Ward began Thursday ranked last in the NFL among qualified passers with a 24.9 adjusted QBR for the campaign.
Cam Ward discusses working relationship with interim head coach Mike McCoy
New Tennessee interim head coach Mike McCoy previously served as a senior offensive assistant with the Titans before Monday's developments. He has experience being the main man for a franchise, as he was the head coach of the San Diego Chargers from 2013 through the 2016 season.
"It's been good," Ward said about his working relationship with McCoy, as shared by Jim Wyatt of the Titans' website. "He was one of the first people to greet me once I came in on my [pre-draft] visit here. And he's had a history with good quarterbacks, had a chance to work with Philip Rivers. And just the attitude he brings to the team, the building. He wants us to play winning football, and he is going to get that out of us."
As of Thursday morning, ESPN BET had the Titans as 6.5-point underdogs against the Patriots. Such a line may show that McCoy's biggest task in his current role will be to ensure Ward doesn't get too discouraged through the remainder of what will likely be a rough rookie season for the 23-year-old.
