September 11, 2013 – During a pre-game ceremony September 10, the Baltimore Orioles presented a check for $24,615 to the Fort Meade Alliance (FMA) to support the creation of a Resiliency Center at Fort George G. Meade.
The Orioles raised the funds through an auction of special team jerseys and caps worn during Military Appreciation Day on June 14. The team’s uniform for the day included baseball caps featuring the orange oriole on a camouflage background and white jerseys with players’ names and numbers attached in camouflage. The items were autographed, authenticated and auctioned off online.
Fort Meade Alliance President Deon Viergutz commended the Orioles for generously supporting the FMA’s work to expand resiliency services at Fort Meade.
“The Baltimore Orioles are helping provide vital services to the men and women of Fort Meade,” Viergutz said. “It is essential that we provide active members of our military, as well as military families and civilian support staff, with resources that support their resiliency as they serve our nation. Generous donations, such as the proceeds of the Orioles’ auction, will deliver that support.”
Proceeds from the auction go to the Fort Meade Alliance Resiliency Center Fund. The Fort Meade Alliance Foundation established the fund to create a Resiliency Center at Fort Meade, which will provide services to support the five dimensions of resiliency: emotional, social, spiritual, family and physical. Establishment of the Resiliency Center is expected to cost $2 million.
“The Orioles are proud to be surrounded by dedicated military personnel throughout our region, and we appreciate all those who risk their lives to keep us safe,” said Monica Barlow, the Orioles’ director of public relations. “It is an honor to be able to provide support to Fort Meade programs and initiatives through the proceeds from our camouflage jersey and cap auction.”
On Friday, June 14, the Orioles celebrated Flag Day and the Army’s Birthday as part of Military Appreciation Day and the team’s ongoing military appreciation efforts. Pre-game ceremonies included a swearing-in ceremony for new Army members as well as military involvement in the first pitch, presentation of colors and National Anthem. The Orioles also donated 100 tickets to Fort Meade to bring military members to the Friday night game.
