Juan Betancourt has turned a winning performance on MasterChef into something rather more meaningful, donating his €4,000 prize to Apanate, a Tenerife charity supporting people on the autism spectrum.
The Cuban model, who grew up in Tenerife, is appearing in the special edition of RTVE’s MasterChef featuring former contestants, known as legends. He’s been holding his own alongside familiar faces including Anabel Alonso, David Bustamante and Marina Rivers.
In the latest episode, broadcast around Spain’s Day of the Pillar celebrations, Betancourt came out on top in an outdoor pressure test in Ronda, earning the title of the night’s best performer.
The judges were impressed, but it was what he chose to do with the prize money that really stood out.
A prize with a personal touch
Betancourt decided to donate the full €4,000 to Apanate, an organisation in Tenerife that supports people on the autism spectrum.
Speaking about the charity, he explained that the people it helps are big fans of MasterChef. He also sent a special message, saying, “A big kiss to Ismael.”
The donation was something he’d wanted to make for a while. Betancourt revealed that he’d hoped to give money to Apanate after each episode, but this win finally gave him the opportunity.
It’s a lovely gesture, particularly from someone who still has a strong connection with Tenerife despite his work taking him elsewhere.
More than a television win
Betancourt’s success on MasterChef has brought him another moment in the spotlight, but the decision to give away the prize money has added a more personal side to the story.
For Apanate, the €4,000 donation provides support for its work with people on the autism spectrum. And for Betancourt, it was a chance to give something back to an island that remains an important part of his life.
Sometimes the best part of winning isn’t the prize itself. It’s what you decide to do with it.