Markakis family makes charitable donation; Nick nominated for Roberto Clemente Award

O's outfielder Nick Markakis and his wife Christina launched their charitable foundation back in January, and they haven't stopped giving back to the community since. The Right Side Foundation's Fun for 21 activities and their first annual 5K Run and 1-mile Fun Walk were only the beginning. The Orioles announced today that Nick and Christina have made a $75,000 donation to the Baltimore Orioles Charitable Foundation, with the funds earmarked for several OriolesREACH efforts including the Baltimore Reviving Baseball in the Inner City (RBI) League, Baltimore City Schools education programs, and Shannon's Fund. The couple's recent community efforts made Nick a prime nominee for Major League Baseball's annual Roberto Clemente Award, which recognizes players who best represent baseball through sportsmanship, community service and positive contributions to their teams. The Orioles have chosen their star right-fielder as the team's Roberto Clemente Award winner, and Markakis will be presented with the honor, as well as a $7,500 donation from Chevy to the Right Side Foundation, during a ceremony prior to the Orioles-Yankees game on Wednesday, September 2 - Roberto Clemente Day. The national recipient of the 2009 Roberto Clemente Award will be announced in a ceremony at Game 3 of the '09 World Series. O's fans can vote for Markakis by clicking here.