Orioles athletes join music artists for a good cause

Ashley "Ms. Black" Yates smiled ear-to-ear as she slowly scanned the 400 baseball fans and arts supporters that roamed Ed Smith stadium for the sixth annual "Athletes and Artists Play for Kids" charity event on March 11.

Yates, The Intersection of Change’s Jubilee Arts program director, slightly tilted her head as she expressed the joy she felt seeing the community come out to support nonprofit. "I flew from Baltimore just to come here for this event," said Yates.

The organization, which provides comprehensive arts programs to both children and adults, was the beneficiary of this year's event. According to a news release, it uses art as a catalyst for social change, a tool for empowerment and an alternative to drugs and violence in the community.

“The Orioles have always tried to find creative ways to activate the community and be impactful,” said Baltimore Orioles Chairman and CEO John Angleos. “This was a synergy. Margret (Valentine) had the music access and relationships and professional platform, and I’ve been around sports media and entertainment.”

Baseball fans, arts supporters and music artists also came together to support and raise funds for the Orioles Charitable Foundation’s Music & Arts Education Scholarship; this scholarship was created in 2019 and helps deserving students and programs in Baltimore, Nashville and Sarasota.

Attendees mingled while enjoying lite bites before taking their seats and listening to the artists speak of the stories behind their hit songs.