Markakis Makes It Happen For Kids
Earlier this month right fielder Nick Markakis and wife Christina made a $75,000 donation to the Baltimore Orioles Charitable Foundation.
The funds from the Markakis’ donation will be directed toward three OriolesREACH programs, including the Baltimore Reviving Baseball (RBI) League, Baltimore City Schools education programs, and Shannon’s Fund, which was established last year to honor the memory of Shannon Obaker, the team’s Director of Community Outreach who passed in 2007 from cancer at age 29.
Markakis, who just signed a six-year contract extension with the Orioles, is also the team’s nominee this year for the Roberto Clemente Award, which recognizes the MLB player who “best exemplifies the game of baseball, sportsmanship, community involvement, and the individual’s contribution to his team.” [Recipient of the award will be announced at Game 3 of the 2009 World Series.]
Earlier this year, Nick and Christina established The Right Side Foundation, which seeks to improve the lives of distressed children in the state of Maryland. “Fun For 21” is one of the Foundation’s programs, with its inaugural event kicking off last June for children from the Ronald McDonald House in Baltimore, where 21 kids had a blast at the ESPN Fun Zone and the National Aquarium. The Foundation will select a different group each month as the program’s beneficiary. Said Markakis, “Anytime you can do things like this with kids, it’s an awesome experience. It’s a feeling you can’t really describe until you’re actually out there, playing games with them, working with them. The day lets kids be kids. I’m looking forward to many, many more events.”
Photo: Right Side Foundation
It’s been quite a year for the couple who not only expanded their charitable efforts but also expanded their family. Nick and Christina welcomed son Taylor in March. Congrats to the class act couple for giving back in a big way, and on the addition of their new little slugger!
