It’s been a tough few weeks for the city of Baltimore. Both the teams from the National Football League (NFL) and Major League Baseball (MLB) based in the city have stepped up to help fund the recovery of the prominent Baltimore Bridge after it collapsed on March 26.
The Baltimore Ravens and Baltimore Orioles announced recently that together they are donating a huge amount of $10 million for the recovery of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, promptly known as the Baltimore Bridge. Each team has donated $5 million to the Baltimore Community Foundation’s Maryland Tough Baltimore Strong Key Bridge Fund–developed for the recovery of the bridge and to support the families, communities, first responders, port workers, and small businesses affected by the disaster.
On Friday, the Ravens’ owner Steve Bisciotti released an official joint statement.
The Ravens are honored to support the Francis Scott Key Bridge recovery efforts and affected Maryland families and businesses. We are confident that Baltimore and Maryland will keep displaying tremendous spirit and strength during this time of great need. Steve Bisciotti’s statement read
Orioles’ owner, David M. Rubenstein expressed his gratitude to Governor Wes Moore for giving them along with the Ravens an opportunity to contribute their support. In their joint statement, they also attached a link for the public to donate as what seems right to them.
The Star-Spangled Banner’s deadly impact
At the dawn of March 26, a cargo ship slammed into the bridge, causing almost a complete destruction of the bridge, into the Port of Baltimore. Six construction workers are reported dead, among whom the bodies of three were recovered, the other three remained underwater as reported missing.
Both the Orioles and Ravens have expressed their support since the moment the news aired on the mainstream media as well as social media. The infamous slamming of the cargo ship is named, “The Star-Spangled Banner” after the man who wrote America’s national anthem.
Just a few minutes after the collapse, the emergency crew reached the location and the first responders immediately jumped in the water to rescue the victims of the collapse. Given the damage, Baltimore’s Governor is seeking around $60 million for a quick recovery of the bridge.
