These contributions reflected the Alonso Foundation’s three core commitments: supporting youth, supporting animal welfare and supporting veterans. At the heart of this work is a dedication to creating lasting change and serving as a voice for vulnerable people and animals who cannot advocate for themselves. Just as importantly, Pete paired financial support with personal involvement, visiting BARCS to learn about its work and spend time with animals awaiting homes, while also preparing to volunteer alongside residents at The Baltimore Station, which provides therapeutic residential treatment and transitional housing for veterans rebuilding their lives.
Pete and Haley established the Alonso Foundation in 2020 to advocate for those who may not be able to advocate for themselves. Each year, the foundation supports more than 30 animal shelters, funds mental health services for veterans, provides school supplies to students and assists organizations responding to disasters. In Baltimore, Pete has translated that national mission into thoughtful local action. Through “Homers for Heroes,” the foundation partnered with the TowerCares Foundation to turn Pete’s on-field performance into sustained assistance for Maryland veterans and military families. For every home run Pete hits during the initiative, TowerCares contributes $2,500, an amount inspired by his No. 25 jersey, and the Alonso Foundation directs the funds to veteran-serving organizations throughout the state.
Pete’s commitment to young people is equally personal. Through the Orioles’ Adopt-A-School partnership with Harlem Park Elementary Middle School, he regularly pauses during batting practice to greet students and staff, talk with them and sign autographs. He extends that same attention to children throughout the ballpark, consistently making them feel seen in moments they will remember long after the game. To help Harlem Park students begin the 2026-27 school year with confidence, Pete is providing backpacks, school supplies, shoes and new outfits for 12-15 students. He and Haley will also welcome 100-130 Harlem Park students and family members as their guests for the Alonso Foundation’s Movie Night at Oriole Park at Camden Yards, creating a joyful shared experience while raising funds to expand the foundation’s work.
His quiet acts of care are also evident in how he honors others. When scheduling prevented a planned visit with guests in the Orioles’ military suites program, Pete signed baseballs and wrote an individualized message for every attendee. On Mo Gaba Day, he helped celebrate young people recognized for extraordinary positivity and perseverance. Pete prepared personalized notes for each award recipient and presented them with signed bobbleheads during the pregame ceremony, reinforcing the resilience, strength and optimism embodied by Mo’s legacy.
Pete's first season in Baltimore has shown that community leadership is measured not by a single donation, appearance or initiative, but by consistency. It is demonstrated through learning about local needs, forming meaningful partnerships, showing up personally and using every available platform to help others. His generosity reaches children, animals, veterans and families, while his genuine presence gives that generosity lasting meaning.
Through purposeful action on and off the field, Pete Alonso has embraced Baltimore and exemplified the humanitarian spirit, service and civic responsibility at the heart of the Roberto Clemente Award.
