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April 12, 2024
To support relief efforts, the Baltimore Orioles (MLB) and Baltimore Ravens (NFL) have contributed $5 million each to Key Bridge Emergency Fund following the March 26 tragedy in the US. Baltimore, Maryland’s Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed into the Patapsco River 17 day ago after being hit by a large commercial vessel in the early morning hours. Six people working construction on the bridge lost their lives.
The collapse also blocked access to the Port of Baltimore, a vital transit and shipping route. Its shutdown has resulted in the loss of nearly 8,000 jobs and many dockworkers have not been paid for weeks. Additionally waterfront residents, workers and their families are struggling to make ends meet.
“The resiliency of our city has once again been sorely tested,” said Orioles owner David M. Rubenstein. “Under the leadership of Governor Wes Moore, and in collaboration with the Ravens, the Orioles offer this contribution to support those who keep our city, our state, and our country in business.”
The Baltimore Community Foundation’s Maryland Tough Baltimore Strong Key Bridge Fund was established to provide ongoing support to the recovery and resilience efforts for families, port workers, first responders, small businesses and communities to those affected. The fund supports regional efforts to heal, respond and memorialize, in coordination with adjacent efforts with the Foundation’s strategic partners.
The Fund announced that donations will be directed to the following areas:
- Families: We will work with the Baltimore Civic Fund and credible efforts to strengthen the immediate relief provided to families. BCF’s focus will be on addressing residual and long-lasting effects for children of the deceased and survivors.
- First Responders: Support for civilian tugboat operators, law enforcement and members of the U.S. Coast Guard whose needs will emerge in the weeks and months to come.
- Port Workers: We will identify the right partners for cash assistance, employment and job placement and provide support to port workers who have been displaced. Support will augment any relief from government to address this need.
- Small Businesses: Small businesses in Southeast Baltimore County communities (ie. Dundalk, Essex, and Edgemere) will face significant disruption. As the issues facing the local economy come into focus, the Fund will be positioned to provide relief in terms of technical assistance and other forms of relief to support this vital sector.
- Memorializing the Tragedy: An important part of healing and resilience, BCF is exploring conversations about how to best memorialize the meaning and legacy of the symbol of the port, the Key bridge, the victims, and all those affected.
“Our heartfelt condolences are with the victims of this tragedy and their families,” Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti stated. “We are thankful to our first responders for their bravery and tireless work. The Ravens are honored to support the Francis Scott Key Bridge recovery efforts and affected Maryland families and businesses. We are confident that Baltimore and Maryland will keep displaying tremendous spirit and strength during this time of great need.
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