BALTIMORE -- The Orioles are taking action to help Sarasota, Fla. -- their Spring Training home -- in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton.
On Wednesday, the O’s announced a partnership with the Community Foundation of Sarasota County to support Hurricane Milton relief efforts through Season of Sharing, an initiative that helps neighbors in need. The club is set to donate an initial $250,000, while matching every dollar raised up to another $250,000.
Hurricane Milton caused destruction throughout Florida as the storm made its way across the state last week. The Orioles’ support will assist both Sarasota and Manatee Counties.
“In times of crisis, it's essential for us to stand together as a community," O’s owner David Rubenstein said in a statement. “We hope that this match challenge inspires our fans and community members to give generously and help provide immediate relief for those affected by Hurricane Milton."
Fans can donate to the Season of Sharing initiative at cfsarasota.org/Baltimore-Orioles-Hurricane-Milton-Relief.
“I commend the Baltimore Orioles for living their values of strengthening our community by supporting their fans, friends and neighbors in their second home," said Roxie Jerde, president/CEO of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, in a statement. “This partnership exemplifies the spirit of collaboration that is at the heart of Season of Sharing."
The O’s have held Spring Training in Sarasota since 2010. Their Grapefruit League home games are played at Ed Smith Stadium.
Net proceeds from the Orioles’ 2025 Spring Training 50/50 raffle will be donated to All Faiths Food Bank. After Florida Power & Light uses Ed Smith Stadium as a staging area for recovery operations, the O’s will partner with All Faiths Food Bank to host neighborhood food distributions, extending essential resources to those in need.
“By supporting both Season of Sharing and All Faiths Food Bank, we hope to alleviate some of the financial and food insecurity burdens faced by families affected by the hurricane," Orioles ownership partner Mike Arougheti said in a statement. “Our hope is that these efforts will provide a pathway for families to regain stability and peace of mind as they recover."