CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield and the Baltimore Orioles are teaming up to help students start the school year strong.Literacy Night takes place at the Seattle Mariners game on Aug. 12, and fans are invited to bring new books to Oriole Park at Camden Yards to donate to school-aged readers, including Black-Eyed Susan books. Book collection bins can be found at Gates A, C, D and H.Donated books will benefit five Baltimore City public schools: Barclay, Harlem Park, John Ruhrah and Lakeland elementary/middle schools and the Augusta Fells Savage Institute of Visual Arts.”Just like how we’re able to create joy and special moments through the game of baseball, by hosting Literacy Night, our goal is to foster creativity and create a joy for, and love of reading in the minds and hearts of children throughout our community,” Kerry Watson, the Orioles’ executive vice president of public affairs, said in a statement. “We are pleased to partner with CareFirst in this steadfast goal of providing children the access to books and other educational tools.”Families can enjoy on-site activities hosted by Port Discovery Children’s Museum and Enoch Pratt Free Library, with interactive stations designed to spark creativity and curiosity. One fan who donates a book will be randomly selected to receive a VIP Orioles Experience, including game tickets, batting practice access, and a meet-and-greet with a player.As part of the evening’s festivities, National Baseball Hall of Famer and Orioles legend Cal Ripken Jr. will take the field to read to a group of students. He recently partnered with CareFirst for its Medicare Advantage campaign as he champions health and education across the region.”When I first made it to the big leagues, literacy was one of the causes I became involved with, and it has always been important to me,” Ripken said in a statement. “I am thrilled to be a part of Literacy Night with CareFirst and play a small role in stressing the importance and magic of reading and getting more books into the hands of students in Baltimore.”Literacy Night also celebrates students across the state who participated in the Maryland Public Library Summer Program, which encourages youth to keep reading during summer break. The Orioles donated 1,000 tickets to local libraries to recognize students who completed the program.Also, this year’s Orioles Adopt-A-School, Harlem Park Elementary/Middle School, will receive a donation of tablets from CareFirst to support its literacy curriculum.”Our partnership with the Orioles continues to create meaningful opportunities to support community health,” said Mack McGee, CareFirst’s chief marketing officer. “Together, we’re addressing social drivers — like education and access to books and technology — and giving students the tools they need early on to shape healthier futures and stronger communities.”Organizers said the devices will give students new tools to practice reading through engaging, technology-based lessons.
BALTIMORE —
CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield and the Baltimore Orioles are teaming up to help students start the school year strong.
Literacy Night takes place at the Seattle Mariners game on Aug. 12, and fans are invited to bring new books to Oriole Park at Camden Yards to donate to school-aged readers, including Black-Eyed Susan books. Book collection bins can be found at Gates A, C, D and H.
Donated books will benefit five Baltimore City public schools: Barclay, Harlem Park, John Ruhrah and Lakeland elementary/middle schools and the Augusta Fells Savage Institute of Visual Arts.
“Just like how we’re able to create joy and special moments through the game of baseball, by hosting Literacy Night, our goal is to foster creativity and create a joy for, and love of reading in the minds and hearts of children throughout our community,” Kerry Watson, the Orioles’ executive vice president of public affairs, said in a statement. “We are pleased to partner with CareFirst in this steadfast goal of providing children the access to books and other educational tools.”
Families can enjoy on-site activities hosted by Port Discovery Children’s Museum and Enoch Pratt Free Library, with interactive stations designed to spark creativity and curiosity. One fan who donates a book will be randomly selected to receive a VIP Orioles Experience, including game tickets, batting practice access, and a meet-and-greet with a player.
As part of the evening’s festivities, National Baseball Hall of Famer and Orioles legend Cal Ripken Jr. will take the field to read to a group of students. He recently partnered with CareFirst for its Medicare Advantage campaign as he champions health and education across the region.
“When I first made it to the big leagues, literacy was one of the causes I became involved with, and it has always been important to me,” Ripken said in a statement. “I am thrilled to be a part of Literacy Night with CareFirst and play a small role in stressing the importance and magic of reading and getting more books into the hands of students in Baltimore.”
The magic of reading and getting more books into the hands of students in Baltimore (is important).
Literacy Night also celebrates students across the state who participated in the Maryland Public Library Summer Program, which encourages youth to keep reading during summer break. The Orioles donated 1,000 tickets to local libraries to recognize students who completed the program.
Also, this year’s Orioles Adopt-A-School, Harlem Park Elementary/Middle School, will receive a donation of tablets from CareFirst to support its literacy curriculum.
“Our partnership with the Orioles continues to create meaningful opportunities to support community health,” said Mack McGee, CareFirst’s chief marketing officer. “Together, we’re addressing social drivers — like education and access to books and technology — and giving students the tools they need early on to shape healthier futures and stronger communities.”
Organizers said the devices will give students new tools to practice reading through engaging, technology-based lessons.