Baltimore Ravens, Orioles donate $10 million to Key Bridge relief fund

The Baltimore Ravens and Baltimore Orioles announced they have donated $10 million to a fund for those affected by the collapse of the city’s Francis Scott Key Bridge.

The National Football League and Major League Baseball teams each contributed $5 million to the Maryland Tough Baltimore Strong Key Bridge Fund. The fund provides support to families, port workers, small businesses, first responders and communities affected by last month’s disaster.

Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti said in a joint statement released Friday: “We are grateful to our first responders for their courage and tireless work. The Ravens are honored to support the recovery efforts of the Francis Scott Key Bridge and the affected Maryland families and businesses. I am confident that Baltimore and Maryland will continue to demonstrate extraordinary spirit and strength during this time of great need. »

Six construction workers were killed when a cargo ship struck the Baltimore Bridge in the early hours of March 26, causing the span to almost completely collapse into Baltimore Harbor. The bodies of three workers have been found, while three others remain missing.

“Under the leadership of Governor Wes Moore and in collaboration with the Ravens, the Orioles are making this contribution to support those who keep our city, state and country in business,” said Orioles owner David M. Rubenstein.

The Orioles owner honored first responders during the third inning of the season opener against the Los Angeles Angels last week.

The Baltimore Community Foundation created this fund to ensure that Baltimore residents can safely donate money to recovery efforts, according to the philanthropic foundation’s website.

President Joe Biden on Friday reiterated his intention for the federal government to cover the full cost of rebuilding the Key Bridge, calling on Congress to authorize the effort “as soon as possible.”