Pictured: Brandon Hyde and daughter, Addison helped to fill cars with Thanksgiving meals. Photo by Barbie Heit.

Every year since 2014, All Faiths Food Bank and the Baltimore Orioles have partnered to host a turkey distribution in the East parking lot of Ed Smith Stadium. The event, which benefits families in need in the Sarasota community, was held this year on Wednesday, November 15th. Despite the windy and rainy weather, over 35 volunteers were on hand to fill cars with all the necessities to make for a delicious and enjoyable Thanksgiving meal.

All Faiths Food Bank is the only food bank in Sarasota and DeSoto counties, providing millions of meals to those in need each year. Last year alone, the organization donated 13,000 turkeys and side dishes to families across various locations, with a significant portion of the distributions taking place at Ed Smith Stadium.

“This is one of our bigger turkey distributions we do throughout the holiday season so there are multiple opportunities for families to come get a turkey dinner. We are giving out 900 turkeys here today, in total 3.6 million holiday meals throughout all of our distribution sites,” says Nina Harrelson, Director of Strategic Communications at All Faiths Food Bank. “This is all made possible with the help of our volunteers and through generous donations from the community, as well as a $75,000 grant provided by the Kathleen K. Catlin Foundation of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, our partner for the last nine years.”

The turkey distribution is one of the many ways the Baltimore Orioles give back to the Sarasota community. Earlier this year, the team held a baseball clinic for participants from Girls, Inc. and the Boys and Girls Club of Sarasota, they hosted their annual Health & Fitness program at Sarasota County middle schools, invited community members out to Spring Training games through programs like CEO Seats, and honored community members through the Birdland Community Hero program. Coming off a 101-win season and an AL East Championship, the Orioles have a lot to be grateful for this year. “It is really special to be able to get out and give back to the communities that show us so much support every year,” says Jennifer Grondahl, SVP, Communications & Community Development for the team. “The Orioles do a great job of getting everyone involved, from coaches, to front office staff, to alumni and community ambassadors. It means a lot to see everyone come together to give back to a place that so many of us call home.”

Oriole’s Manager, Brandon Hyde, who was named American League Manager of the Year just one night before, was happy to be a part of the turkey distribution alongside his daughter, Addison. “We take pride in giving back here and in Baltimore,” he said. “It’s especially important during the holidays– even in this bad weather!”

Pictured: Brandon Hyde and daughter, Addison helped to fill cars with Thanksgiving meals. Photo by Barbie Heit.