Orioles and The Y Partnership Making A Difference For Kids
BALTIMORE (WJZ) --- As the Orioles gear up for the season opener, the Y of Central Maryland is also gearing up. The two organizations formed a partnership three years ago helping thousands of kids.
Marcus Washington has more on how this partnership is making a difference.
For decades, the Y has been part of changing young lives for the better.
"A healthier community, healthier kids and families and basically giving the kids a chance to succeed," Jeff Sprinkle with the Y of Central Maryland said.
After hearing and seeing the change the Y of Central Maryland is helping create, the Orioles wanted to help too.
The Orioles and the Y formed a partnership with the help of a key O's player.
"With Adam Jones being a spokesperson, but then the Orioles have stepped up and matched some of that support, so very special in that overall relationship," Sprinkle said.
The partnership between the Y and Adam Jones started many years ago, well before he was a player for the O's.
"The Y kept me safe, helped my character and made me who I am today," Jones said in a commercial. "I want to give every child the same chance I had."
An active member of the Jackie Robinson Y in California, Adam Jones has been a huge supporter, helping the Y of Central Maryland.
He has raised scholarships for the "Give every child a chance" campaign.
The partnership between the two organizations has raised more than $1-milliion for programs.
"Our overall annual campaign, which is called 'Give every child a chance,' we raised just under $1.5-million last year," Sprinkle said. "A big component of that is our 'send a kid to camp' program which provides assistance so kids can avoid the summer learning loss and [gain] a Y camp experience."
With the program, kids are able to participate in opening day for the O's lining the orange carpet during the players introduction.
The summer programs provide scholarships for thousands of kids at or below the poverty line in the Baltimore area. It's a mission that truly keeps on giving. Just look at Adam.
The funds raised for the summer program serve as scholarships for some of the 5,000 kids who attend camp during the summer.
The Y of Central Maryland provides services for 50,000 kids throughout the year in the Baltimore area.
