Orioles to serve as mission engagement chair for 2015 American Heart Association Heart Ball

SunTrust to serve as 2015 Heart Ball Chair Event Team also announces return of 50% off ticket fundraiser for select September games The Orioles today announced the renewal of their partnership with the American Heart Association (AHA) that features the club serving as mission engagement chair for the 31st Annual Baltimore Heart Ball scheduled for early 2015. In conjunction with SunTrust, who is serving as the 2015 event chair, the Orioles hope to help raise awareness to the AHA's lifesaving mission to fight our leading cause of death and surpass the $740,000 raised by last year's successful event, which was chaired by the Orioles. Proceeds from the event benefit breakthroughs in cardiovascular disease research, education programs and advocacy efforts, with a considerable portion of the funds directed to local institutions such as Johns Hopkins and the University of Maryland. Additionally, the Orioles and the AHA have planned a number of exciting events over the coming months for Baltimore City children, ages 5-14, to educate the next generation about the importance of good nutrition and daily exercise. One such initiative, the AHA Recess after-school program, targets children in communities that have lack of access to affordable fresh fruits and vegetables and green space to play. "One-third of U.S. children and adolescents are overweight or obese and at a higher risk for heart disease and stroke. The Orioles create the visibility and access for millions of people to learn about the importance of physical activity, one of the best ways to decrease their risk for heart disease and stroke," said Yvette Mingo, Executive Director for the Maryland region. "We're proud to partner with the Orioles in developing an innovative campaign to reach fans of all ages to get active, healthy and impact their lives." "The Orioles were honored to serve as last year's event chair and look to build upon the successful campaign, along with SunTrust, by engaging in a variety of AHA initiatives," said Orioles ownership representative Louis Angelos. "This is a cause that is important to our players, our organization, and the community at large, and we hope that with the support from the entire Orioles family, we can help raise more awareness and funds for this campaign, and in turn help save more lives." Following a successful partnership ticket offer in 2013, the Orioles and the AHA are partnering on a ticket offer available exclusively at www.orioles.com/AHA that will allow fans to contribute to the cause and save money on Orioles game tickets. Beginning today, fans can visit www.orioles.com/AHA to take advantage of an exclusive 50% off ticket discount for all tickets for each game during the September 2-4 series vs. Cincinnati and the September 15-17 series vs. Toronto by donating $10 to the American Heart Association for each ticket purchased. The webpage also contains additional details of the Orioles/AHA partnership, a calendar of AHA events and heart-healthy tips for fans. Due to a lack of quality care, nearly 800,000 individuals die annually from heart disease in Maryland, even in the presence of one's ability to pay for healthcare services. To diminish healthcare disparities means to diminish inequities in access to and the distribution of quality care to all Americans for the treatment and prevention of heart disease, one of the AHA's primary goals. The 31st Annual Baltimore Heart Ball will take place early in the 2015 calendar year. The event is an elegant black-tie celebration of life that attracts more than 500 of Baltimore's most prominent physicians, corporate, health care, philanthropy and community leaders to salute the AHA's impact on the Greater Maryland Community. The event gathers like-minded individuals who care about the prevention and treatment of heart diseases and stroke. The American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association are devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke - America's No. 1 and No. 4 leading causes of death. The AHA partners with millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies, and provide lifesaving tools and information to prevent and treat these diseases. The American Heart Association is the nation's oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. The American Stroke Association is a division of the American Heart Association. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-800-AHA-USA1, visit heart.org or call any of our offices around the country. In 2013, the Orioles became the first professional sports team to lead the fundraising effort since the AHA's founding in 1924.