Orioles Establish Shannon's Fund at University of MD Medical Center
Established in memory of O's Community Outreach Director, endowment will provide financial support to hospital patients and family members
The Orioles today announced the establishment of Shannon's Fund, a $50,000 endowment at the University of Maryland Medical Center that will provide financial assistance to hospital patients and their families. The Fund was created in memory of SHANNON OBAKER, the Orioles' Director of Community Outreach who bravely fought cancer for over a year before she passed away in January 2007 at age 29.
Many people within and outside the Orioles organization knew Shannon and 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.
Shannon's Fund will be administered by the University of Maryland Medical Center. Funds will be donated to hospital 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.
Money for the endowment was collected through proceeds of the sale of Brian's Bracelet, the baseball seam bracelet created by BRIAN ROBERTS; a memorabilia sale at Orioles FanFest; and a donation from the Orioles Charitable Foundation. Money raised from the online sale of photographs from this Sunday's Kids Run the Bases at Oriole Park will also benefit Shannon's Fund. The Orioles will continue to contribute to the Fund via proceeds collected from future charitable endeavors and OriolesREACH initiatives.
In a pre-game ceremony this Sunday, July 6, the Orioles, Roberts and the Obaker family will present a check for $50,000 to representatives from the University of Maryland to officially establish Shannon's Fund.
Those wishing to make contributions in Shannon's memory should 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
The Orioles will acknowledge contributions throughout the season.
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