UMD Athletics

Thursday, July 19, 2012

The Casey Cares Foundation today announced an official partnership with the University of Maryland Athletic Department. Through various initiatives and activities, Maryland Athletics will support the Casey Cares Foundation and families involved with their organization, which will broaden the life-experiences of student-athletes, coaches and administrators. 

The Casey Cares Foundation and Maryland Athletics will augment their partnership to include fundraising initiatives, programs and game-day experiences for families in the Casey Cares network. In addition to providing tickets to sporting events, Maryland Athletics will assist the foundation with auction items for Casey Cares fundraisers such as their annual gala, tennis and golf outing, Rock “N” Roll Bash and 5K run/walk with ambassadors Nick and Christina Markakis.

“We are so happy to be working with Maryland Athletics to provide our participants with exciting opportunities to see and interact with some of their favorite players and coaches,” said Casey Baynes, President and Founder of the Casey Cares Foundation. “Maryland Athletics has been a proud supporter of our courageous kids and families, and we are looking forward to expanding our relationship even further.”

Student-athletes, coaches and administrators will also support Casey Cares through frequent visits with ill-children as part of the foundation’s “Kami’s Jammies” program, which are themed pajama parties designed to lift the spirits of these young people during extended hospital stays.  Awareness for the partnership will be demonstrated through “JumboTron” graphics at games highlighting the partnership, as well as a public service announcement which will debut this fall.

“One of the most important things we can do as an athletic department is give back to our community and provide our coaches and student-athletes with impactful experiences that help enrich their lives,” said Maryland Athletics Director, Kevin Anderson. “We look forward to this relationship with Casey Cares, and hope to bring some joy to families and children during a time when they need it the most.”

Click here to see the WBAL-TV coverage of this announcement - http://www.wbaltv.com/news/maryland/education/UMd-Athletics-Dept-helps-critically-ill-children/-/9379316/15605080/-/pnf4qnz/-/index.html