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 Director of Community Outreach who bravely fought cancer for over a year before passing away in January 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.
The Orioles will continue to contribute to the Fund via proceeds collected from future charitable endeavors and OriolesREACH initiatives.
Those wishing to make contributions in Shannon's memory can do so online, or make checks payable to Orioles Charitable Foundation and mail to:
Shannon's Fund
c/o Orioles Charitable Foundation
333 West Camden Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
