The Baltimore Orioles Charitable Foundation and the Baltimore Orioles, Inc., support many civic and charitable organizations with the goal of enriching the lives of fans throughout Birdland. Since the ownership group led by Peter Angelos purchased the team, the Baltimore Orioles have donated more than $10 million to support various organizations in the Orioles' community.

In 2008, the Orioles and OriolesREACH established Shannon's Fund, a $50,000 endowment at the University of Maryland Medical Center to provide financial assistance to hospital patients and their families. Created in memory of Shannon Obaker - the team's former Director of Community Outreach who bravely fought cancer for over a year before passing away in 2007 at age 29 - Shannon's Fund is administered by the University of Maryland Medical Center. Funds are donated to patients and their family members as need arises to assist with the general expenses associated with the treatment process, including hospital parking, alternate housing, food costs and household bills.

People who knew Shannon knew of her passion for helping others, especially children and animals. In her role as Community Outreach Director, Shannon coordinated charitable donation requests, scheduled player appearances in the community and arranged special visits for sick children who wanted to meet their baseball heroes. The Orioles and the Obaker family believe that the most meaningful way to remember Shannon is to reach out to help others because that is what Shannon cared about most.

In 2011, the Orioles offered several ways for fans to get involved and help OriolesREACH extend its efforts in the community.

OriolesREACH Pet Calendar
The Orioles and OriolesREACH created the 2012 Orioles Pet Calendar, presented by Southwest Airlines with proceeds benefitting BARCS - Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter. The 15-month calendar features Orioles players posing with their own pets or BARCS cats and dogs.

Scoreboard Surprises
For a $25 donation to the Orioles Charitable Foundation, fans can celebrate a birthday or anniversary with a special message for all spectators to see on Orioles Park's center field MASNvision scoreboard.

CareFirst and the Orioles Team Up to Help Children
As part of the Healthy Walks program, each time an Orioles batter draws a walk in 2011, CareFirst BlueCross/ BlueShield donates $50 to the Living Classrooms Foundation. Living Classrooms inspires youth to achieve their potential through hands on education and training.

Bird Visits
Once again this season, guests at Oriole Park have the opportunity to reserve a special visit from everyone's favorite fan, the Oriole Bird. For a $75 donation to Shannon's Fund, fans can schedule a visit from the Oriole Bird, who will also deliver an Orioles goodie bag directly to the honoree during the game.

Saves for Shock Trauma
Once again this season, corporate partner Kelly & Associates Insurance Group has pledged a donation of $2,000 to the University of Maryland R Adams Crowley Shock Trauma Center for every save recorded by an Orioles pitcher. In 2010, more than $50,000 was raised to help UMMS save lives.

APX Alarm Supports Orioles REACH
In a pregame ceremony before the final game of the 2010 season, APX Alarm presented a check to OriolesREACH for $10,000 to help the team in its community programs throughout Birdland.

Late last year, the Orioles and NJ's Pretzels presented a check for $2,500 to Pathfinders for Autism in the hopes of increasing Autism awareness and to provide support and help to families currently living with the disease.

As part of the K's for Kids Program, each time an Orioles pitcher records a strikeout in 2010, CareFirst BlueCross/BlueShield donates $25 to the SEED School of Maryland. Last season, the program donated $25,000 to the YMCA of Central Maryland's FIT N FUN Program.

In partnership with Legg Mason Global Asset management, the Orioles unveiled a new scholarship program in 2010 called Swings for Scholars. The program is designed to provide full community college scholarships to qualified graduates of Baltimore City Schools and support their efforts to pursue education beyond high school. This season, each time Nick Markakis records a hit, Legg Mason Charitable Foundation, Inc. will make a $200 contribution to the program.

Once again this season, corporate partner Kelly & Associates Insurance Group has pledged a donation of $2,000 to the University of Maryland R Adams Crowley Shock Trauma Center for every save recorded by an Orioles pitcher. In 2009, more than $50,000 was raised to help UMMS save lives.

Prior to the O's game on June 27 against the Nationals, representatives from Giant Food presented a check for $1.25 million to The Johns Hopkins Division of Pediatric Oncology as a part of their Triple Winner Campaign. The donation will support the Giant Food Pediatric Leukemia and Tumor Program established by Johns Hopkins. 100% of proceeds raised through the Triple Play promotion benefits cancer research and care.

On July 22, Orioles pitcher Jason Berken visited Sport Clips' newest location on the Avenue at White Marsh. Jason met fans and signed autographs along with the Oriole Bird and former Orioles Scott McGregor, Rick Dempsey and Dave Johnson. To celebrate Sport Clips opening its 700th store nationwide, the team helped to raise more than $10,000 for OriolesREACH as the store broke the Guinness Book World Record for most haircuts performed in one day.