BALTIMORE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In an effort to support safe communities throughout its central Maryland service area, Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE) presented $150,000 to the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation in support of the Badges for Baseball program. Badges for Baseball is a juvenile crime prevention/mentoring program created by the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation in partnership with the U.S. Department of Justice. With the help of community-based youth-serving organizations around the country, the program reshapes the relationship between law enforcement and children living in underserved communities across the country. In 2013, the Foundation impacted more than 612,000 youth in 45 states including Washington, D.C. BGE’s support of the Badges for Baseball program in Harford County benefits the Boys and Girls Clubs of both Aberdeen and Edgewood.
“BGE is proud to partner with the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation and support a great program that directly benefits the families we serve throughout central Maryland,” said Calvin G. Butler Jr., chief executive officer for BGE. “The Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation has been a true advocate for the importance of providing a safe place for youth to stay focused on education and active, healthy lifestyles, helping at-risk youth achieve their life’s full potential. The Foundation’s programs, and especially the Badges for Baseball program, help students of all ages work hard and develop skills which will support them in contributing to the future growth and success of the communities we serve. We applaud the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation for the great work they are doing and BGE is proud to support them in their efforts to continue to make a positive impact on the youth and families in our communities.”
BGE and its employees are committed to enhancing the quality of life for its customers and their families in communities the company serves throughout central Maryland. BGE regularly supports organizations and activities that promote educational outreach. BGE’s corporate citizenship aligns with that of its parent company, Exelon Corporation. As part of Exelon’s merger in March 2012, Exelon and its subsidiaries have committed to maintain charitable giving of an average of $7 million per year in Maryland, including BGE’s service area, for the next 10 years.
“We are extremely proud of the partnership between BGE and the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation. They really see the value in what we do, and are stepping up to help the communities they serve with our Badges for Baseball program in Aberdeen, MD. We hope to improve the lives of millions of at-risk youth in distressed communities with the help of generous supporters like BGE,” said Steve Salem, President of the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation.
In 2013, BGE contributed more than $3.5 million to more than 250 non-profit organizations and is on track to contribute nearly $4 million to charitable organizations throughout the BGE central Maryland service area this year. BGE employees volunteer in a wide-range of youth-focused opportunities, from mentoring and tutoring children, to teaching students about electric safety, energy efficiency, visual arts and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) educational initiatives. Additionally, BGE is focused on helping kids live an active and healthy lifestyle and the company continues to support organizations like the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation, PlayWorks, KaBoom!, and NFL Play 60 to provide safe places and opportunities for underserved youth to take on leadership roles and learn the importance of teamwork.
For more information on BGE’s commitment to volunteerism and charitable giving, visit bge.com/giving.
About the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation:
The Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation uses baseball- and softball-themed programs to help build character and teach critical life lessons to underserved youth residing in America’s most distressed communities. Founded in 2001 by members of the Ripken family in memory of their patriarch Cal, Sr., the Foundation works to create programs that positively impact at-risk youth through active community partnerships with America’s most successful youth service organizations. The Ripken Foundation uses the baseball and softball field to help teach life’s critical lessons such as perseverance, loyalty, nutrition, hard work and leadership to young people residing in disadvantaged communities. In 2013, the Foundation impacted more than 612,000 youth in 45 states including Washington, D.C.
About BGE:
BGE, headquartered in Baltimore, is Maryland’s largest gas and electric utility, delivering power to more than 1.2 million electric customers and more than 655,000 natural gas customers in central Maryland. The company’s approximately 3,400 employees are committed to the safe and reliable delivery of gas and electricity, as well as enhanced energy management, conservation, environmental stewardship and community assistance. BGE is a subsidiary of Exelon Corporation (NYSE: EXC), the nation’s leading competitive energy provider, with 2013 revenues of approximately $24.9 billion. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.
