Orioles and CareFirst Step Up to the Plate to Support Literacy Night in Baltimore City
CareFirst to donate tablets and host a book drive to benefit students at five Baltimore City schools
BALTIMORE— CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst) and the Baltimore Orioles are helping students start the school year strong by collecting donated books, expanding access to digital learning tools, and offering family-friendly experiences during Literacy Night at Oriole Park at Camden Yards when they host the Seattle Mariners on Tuesday, August 12, at 6:35 p.m. ET.
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, reinforcing the importance of literacy and lifelong learning. Ripken, who recently partnered with CareFirst for its Medicare Advantage campaign, continues to champion 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 shared. “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.”
This year, the Orioles Adopt-A-School, Harlem Park Elementary/Middle School, will receive a donation of tablets from CareFirst to support its literacy curriculum. The devices will give students new tools to practice reading through engaging, technology-based lessons.
“Our partnership with the Orioles continues to create meaningful opportunities to support community health,” said Mack McGee, Chief Marketing Officer at CareFirst. “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.”
Fans attending the game on August 12, are encouraged to bring new books for school-aged readers, including Black Eyed Susan books. Collection bins will be located at gates A, C, D, and H. Donated books will benefit five Baltimore City public schools:
- Harlem Park Elementary/Middle School
- Augusta Fells Savage Institute of Visual Arts
- John Ruhrah Elementary/Middle School
- Barclay Elementary/Middle School
- Lakeland Elementary/Middle School
“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,” shared Kerry Watson, Orioles Executive Vice President, Public Affairs. “We are pleased to partner with CareFirst in this steadfast goal of providing children the access to books and other educational tools.”
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.
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.
Literacy Night is an extension of a long-term partnership between CareFirst and the Orioles – two of the region’s anchor institutions – focused on empowering youth and strengthening communities through greater access to resources to build healthier communities.
About CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
In its 88th year of service, CareFirst, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, is a not-for-profit healthcare company which, through its affiliates and subsidiaries, offers a comprehensive portfolio of health insurance products and administrative services to 3.5 million individuals in Maryland, the District of Columbia and Northern Virginia. In 2024, CareFirst infused over $403 million to support regional community impact to improve overall health and advance accessible, affordable, equitable, high-quality healthcare. To learn more about CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, visit CareFirst.com/Transformation.