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 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. On June 29 of this year, a private fundraising event was held with visits from Brian Roberts, Brady Anderson and Mike Bordick, raising more than $10,000 to continue the support given to families at UMMC. Those wishing to make contributions in Shannon's memory can visit OriolesREACH.com and click on “Donate to Shannon's Fund.”

the Orioles offer several ways for fans to get involved and help OriolesREACH extend its efforts in the community.

Maryland State License Plates
In 2012, the Orioles debuted an official Maryland license plate featuring the popular new cartoon bird logo. Drivers throughout the state can reserve their plate and show their Birdland pride, all while helping the many programs supported by OriolesREACH. To date, the Official Orioles Maryland License Plates have raised more than $42,000. Please visit orioles.com/ plates to download an application.

OriolesREACH Pet Calendar
The Orioles and OriolesREACH created the 2013 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. To date, the calendar has raised more than $50,000.

Scoreboard Surprises
For a $25 donation to the Oriole Charitable Foundation, fans celebrated special birthdays or anniversaries with a special message for all spectators to see on Orioles Park's center field video board. Over $24,000 was raised for the Orioles Charitable Foundation in 2012. For details on how you can schedule a Scoreboard Surprise during the 2013 season, visit orioles.com and click on “Oriole Park.”

Bird Visits
Once again this season, guests at Oriole Park had the opportunity to reserve a special visit from everyone's favorite fan, the Oriole Bird. For a $75 donation to Shannon's Fund, fans could schedule a visit from the Oriole Bird, who will also delivered an Orioles goodie bag directly to the honoree during the game. Almost $6000 was raised through this program to benefit Shannons's Fund.