Recent events showcase collaboration of Orioles, All Faiths Food Bank

For many years, the Baltimore Orioles and All Faiths Food Bank (AFFB) have collaborated to work toward ending hunger through various efforts. Ahead of the launch of AFFB’s Campaign Against Summer Hunger later this month, the team recognized the food bank at two recent spring training games: inviting AFFB’s new leader to throw out the first pitch at one game, while celebrating a dedicated volunteer at another.

During the Orioles’ February game against the Boston Red Sox, the Orioles honored longtime AFFB volunteer Tom Gurrentz as a Birdland Community Hero. Gurrentz has been a volunteer with AFFB for four years, splitting his time between assisting during the Arcadia Housing Authority mobile farm market and the organization's Sarasota warehouse, where he helps to inspect, sort and pack food donations for our neighbors. He has been an inspiration to others with his heartfelt commitment to ending hunger.

The following weekend, the team invited All Faiths’ President and CEO Nelle S. Miller to step onto the mound during its March 2 matchup against the New York Yankees. Miller posed for photos with the Orioles mascot, The Oriole Bird, before taking the field to throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Afterward, she cheered as the Orioles defeated the Yankees 7-3.

For more than a decade, AFFB and the Baltimore Orioles have partnered to host a holiday turkey distribution in the East Lot of Ed Smith Stadium. The event, part of the food bank's annual "ThankFULL" campaign, provides families in need with a turkey and all the fixings to make a delicious Thanksgiving meal.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the Orioles stepped up to offer Ed Smith Stadium as a venue for numerous large-scale food distributions. During those distributions, many volunteers from "Orange & Black Gives Back," the Orioles' employee volunteer program, provided welcomed assistance in the effort to feed tens of thousands of neighbors who were struggling. Monthly food distributions continue at Ed Smith Stadium to this day.

The Orioles also partner with AFFB to host food collections throughout the year, including the All Faiths Food Drive during Spring Training. Additionally, Ed Smith Stadium has served as the venue for AFFB's largest community event, Bowls of Hope, in recent years.

“When you are a nonprofit working to fill such a critical need, having the support of partners like the Orioles – who have demonstrated their desire to ‘give back’ to our community in so many ways – is an incredible benefit,” said Miller. “They have been so generous with their site, the stadium facility, and significant volunteer hours. The Orioles are truly hunger heroes and we’re thankful to have them here, enriching our local community.”

“The continued alliance between our team and the incredible changemakers of All Faiths Food Bank exemplifies the power of teamwork,” said Jennifer Grondahl, Orioles Senior Vice President, Community Development & Communications. “In welcoming them to the ballpark, we are not only celebrating the spirit of community but also fortifying a partnership dedicated to the noble cause of actively addressing hunger, making a lasting impact, and building a legacy of compassion in Sarasota both on and off the field.”

For more, visit allfaithsfoodbank.org or call 941.379.6333.

About All Faiths Food Bank
All Faiths Food Bank is the only food bank and largest hunger relief organization in Sarasota and DeSoto counties, providing millions of meals each year in collaboration with nearly 200 agencies and programs throughout the community. All Faiths works not only to end hunger today but also strives to end hunger - forever - by helping families and individuals gain long-term food security, enjoy better health outcomes, and achieve self-sufficiency. All Faiths is rated 4 stars by Charity Navigator and is a member of the Feeding America and Feeding Florida networks. For more information, visit allfaithsfoodbank.org.