Watch CBS News

KidsPeace Foster Children Will Participate In Orioles Opening Day

BALTIMORE (WJZ)—It's an organization devoted to helping children in need, and two of its biggest supporters are Orioles manager Buck Showalter and his wife Angela.

Ron Matz reports some of their favorite kids will be a big part of Opening Day at Camden Yards.

There's nothing like Opening Day, and being on the field is special. This year, 80 kids from KidsPeace will line the orange carpet.

"I like KidsPeace. They're friendly. It's nice. You wouldn't find people like this anywhere," said 19-year-old Nicholas, KidsPeace foster youth.

KidsPeace is devoted to finding foster parents for children in need.

"KidsPeace is a 130-year-old organization that is dedicated to providing services to kids in need. In Maryland, KidsPeace provides therapy and foster care services to some 4,000 children that need loving homes," said Debra Hayes, KidsPeace program manager.

O's manager Buck Showalter, his wife Angela and the team are among its strongest supporters.

"The Showalters have really supported KidsPeace. We just couldn't do it without the Showalters," Hayes said.

KidsPeace currently works with about 40 foster parents, but there's a great need for more.

"We really need more foster parents, people who are willing to open their hearts and homes and take in a child who is in need," said Kaliah Thomas, KidsPeace family research specialist. "Primarily, our biggest need is for people who can accommodate our older youth. People are more eager to take in younger kids, but we really need families who can take in kids, 12, 13 and up, even up to age 20."

Opening Day will be time to celebrate the charity and its good friends.

"We are excited. We have a lot of children lined up to participate in Opening Day. They'll be on the field. They'll be flag bearers. It's great. It's wonderful," Hayes said.

But it's about more than just Opening Day.

"KidsPeace's relationship with the Orioles goes far beyond this great Opening Day opportunity," Hayes said. "The Orioles have partnered with Kids Peace in many ways to assist the foster care youth in our community."

KidsPeace will have a community booth set up outside Camden Yards on Opening Day. For more information about the organization, click here.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.