HOUSTON -- Cash DeLeon, an eighth-grade student at North Shore Middle School, hosted the third annual "Cash's Care for Pets" charity event last Saturday at The Buffalo Grille in Houston.

All proceeds were donated to local animal shelters.

Astros right-handers Mark Melancon and Lance Pendleton, as well as Rice University product Diego Seastrunk, were on hand to sign autographs and assist the young DeLeon in his cause.

Game-used memorabilia of Melancon, J.D. Martinez, Jason Michaels, Xavier Nady, and Hunter Pence highlighted this year's silent auction.  

Martinez, Michaels, Melancon, Nady and Pence have a great deal of respect for the young DeLeon and made it a point to donate game-used memorabilia in order to help further his cause.

DeLeon, 13, has established a stellar reputation in the local community, especially among MLB players, for his desire and passion in making a difference toward rescuing unwanted animals.

"I guarantee you that when I was 13, I wasn't thinking about others nearly the way Cash is doing so right now," Pendleton said. "That's phenomenal to have that mindset and knowing at such a young age that there's a lot more to life than just your world.

"He is showing a lot of initiative."

His kindness and unselfish approach in life not only inspires, but also serves as reinforcement to individuals that more can always be done.

Melancon, known for his kindness and willingness to help others off the field, views DeLeon as a unique and ambitious young leader.

"It's pretty special that someone at this age can think of such a big plan in life," Melancon said. "You know he's going to be successful in life. Given the fact that he's out there thinking about bigger and better things defines who he is. I am glad that we can support his cause as ballplayers. We're always here for him."

DeLeon excels as an athlete and takes GT classes, in addition to being active in the Junior Honor's Society and Odyssey of the Mind.

How did DeLeon get the idea to start his own charity?

Approximately three years ago, he saw the Sarah McLachlan commercial on animal cruelty and instantly wanted to make a difference.

With DeLeon being an avid fan of former Astros and current Orioles outfielder Luke Scott, he chose to name one of his dogs "Luke."

Luke was rescued from Arkansas by Sarah Lee, a native of Olive Branch, Miss., whom the DeLeon family tracked down via Save1Pet.com.

"Getting my dog really helped to influence me in doing this charity," DeLeon said. "I just want to do what I can to help animals."

DeLeon's impact, without a doubt, makes him a young hero.

"He's amazing," Seastrunk said. "I didn't learn to appreciate the world around me until I was closer to being an adult. To see him doing this at 13 inspires me as an adult to be much better."

Free-agent right-hander Chris Sampson, a longtime Astros' fan favorite, credits DeLeon's parents, Juan and Elizabeth, for encouraging him.

"Cash gets out in the community and wants to do something positive," Sampson said. "That stems from his parents. They are always encouraging him. He's a talented athlete, a great student and a very good person. He's got a big heart inside his body."

The elder DeLeon couldn't be more proud of his son.

"We're proud that he wanted to do a charity like this," Juan DeLeon said. "As parents, you want your son or daughter to succeed. Being that we liked pets a lot, we're happy that this is something he wanted to do. Dogs and cats are always left abandoned or thrown in the streets. You have dogs that are used for fighting. That's not humane. It's great to see our son step up and try to do something to help. We're raising him to do right."

Elizabeth DeLeon lists "compassion" as one of her son's strengths.

"He's taking the compassion he's always had as a little boy and using it to help animals," she said. "I had the same thing when I was a child, but I never thought to start a charity. He's combining his compassion with his knowledge to help animals get the necessary food, water and medical supplies at local shelters.

"Cash is taking it to the next level."

The story of Molly, a two-year-old beagle mix, represents a perfect example of DeLeon's desire and compassion to help animals.

Molly was rescued off the streets of Memphis, but suffered from a life-threatening heartworm infection and needed an operation to survive.

DeLeon didn't know her personally.

However, he made a donation from his charity to "Save1Pet" in order for Molly to receive the proper medical treatment and have a chance in life.

Ultimately, Molly made a full recovery and was later adopted by a professional bass fisherman -- an ideal match since she loves water.

"Cash's donation was used to help treat Molly," Lee said. "He made a big difference in helping her get well. She was cured of her heartworm infection and placed up for adoption. It was a good match when she was adopted by a professional bass fisherman.

"It is really extraordinary that a young man, who lives in the Houston area, wanted to help a dog that he has never even met hundreds of miles away. Cash is a really special young man."   

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