Birdland Community Heroes

Community Heroes

The Orioles Birdland Community Heroes program celebrates and recognizes individuals from diverse backgrounds in the Baltimore region who have distinguished themselves by selflessly volunteering and serving their community to make a meaningful impact through charity, service, and leadership. (See Terms & Conditions for details.)

Honoree Benefits:

  • Four game tickets & parking
  • Award medal
  • Recognition during an in-game ceremony on the video board

Nominees must meet the following criteria:

  • Community Connection: Actively serve Baltimore or surrounding Birdland areas (3+ years preferred).
  • Nominees must be individuals, not organizations (although they can be affiliated with one)
  • Service & Leadership: Hands-on involvement in key areas, including youth sports (PLAY), education, maternal health, inner-city health equity, youth development, military, food security, and sustainability.
  • Alignment with Orioles’ Values: Commitment to equity, inclusivity, and community-building initiatives.

Evaluation Factors:

  • Impact: Measurable contributions to improving lives and strengthening communities.
  • Leadership: Inspiring others to serve and advocate.
  • Innovation: Creative solutions to community challenges.
  • Sustainability: Long-term positive influence.
  • Volunteerism: Volunteerism vs. Professional Role: Prioritize individuals whose work is primarily volunteer based unless their professional efforts go significantly above and beyond standard expectations.

Exclusions:

  • Self-Nominations: Nominees cannot nominate themselves. All nominations must come from a third party to ensure objectivity.
  • Recent Recognition: To allow for new honorees, individuals who have been recognized as Birdland Community Heroes in the past two years are ineligible.
  • Conflict of Interest: Employees or direct affiliates of the Orioles are ineligible for nomination.

Our 2026 Birdland Heroes

Birdland Community Heroes

Betty Bland-Thomas

As Community Association President and a longtime resident, Betty Bland-Thomas is deeply committed to preserving the history, health, and vitality of Historic Sharp Leadenhall, a South Baltimore neighborhood established by formerly enslaved people and German immigrants around 1790. Many predominantly Black neighborhoods have been erased by development and gentrification in Baltimore, and Historic Sharp Leadenhall’s proximity to the Inner Harbor and Downtown makes it particularly vulnerable to redevelopment. Betty works to ensure that residents have a voice in the neighborhood’s future, regularly convening community meetings, advocating for equitable development, and centering the community’s rich African American history in conversations about change.

Her leadership extends beyond historic preservation to strengthening the health, wellness, and social connections of the community. Betty has helped bring residents together through community health and wellness initiatives, educational programming, neighborhood events, and opportunities for residents to connect with local organizations and resources. Through these efforts, she promotes a vision of Sharp Leadenhall where preserving the neighborhood’s past goes hand in hand with creating a healthy, connected, and thriving community for current and future residents.

Among her many accomplishments and accolades, Betty received a 2023 Baltimore Community Foundation Spotlight Award, served two terms as an elected Democratic State Central Committee official, and was recently awarded a Baltimore National Heritage Area grant to host walking tours highlighting the history of the neighborhood. She is also partnering with Old Otterbein Lutheran Church to produce a lecture series exploring the history of the community. Through her continued advocacy, community engagement, and commitment to wellness, Betty remains a dedicated steward of Historic Sharp Leadenhall and its residents.

Sgt. George Bandurchin

Sergeant Bandurchin is the founder of the Badges for Bass Program, a community-centered initiative that creates meaningful opportunities for youth through mentorship, outdoor experience, and positive engagement. What began as a simple idea has grown into a powerful program that has connected more than 100 children with new experiences, confidence-building activities, and supportive relationships.

Through hands-on fishing at Loch Raven Reservoir, the program offers more than a day outdoors; it creates a space where young people feel seen, encouraged, and inspired. Every detail is intentional, from the equipment provided to the personal connections built, ensuring each participant leaves with a sense of belonging and accomplishment.

His commitment to service extends beyond the program. As a sixth-generation police officer with nearly 27 years of service in the Baltimore County Police Department, he brings that same dedication, compassion, and integrity into the community each day, using his platform to build trust, strengthen relationships, and create lasting impact.

At its core, his work is about building community, creating access, fostering connection, and making a difference through consistent care and a willingness to go above and beyond.

Meet Our Past Heroes

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