In the wake of the Key Bridge collapse, the Baltimore Area Council, Boy Scouts of America have demonstrated the power of community and collaboration. When the Council first launched this fund drive on May 1st, our goal was to raise $10,000 to provide much-needed assistance to those affected by the devastating collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. Within 48 hours of starting the fundraiser, we were able to surpass that initial donation goal.
Now, at the conclusion of our fundraiser on May 31st, we are proud to announce that thanks to the collective support of our Scouting community, locally and throughout the nation, we have sold an impressive 1,300 shoulder patches and raised a total of $32,500 for the “Bridging the Gap Fund” being administered by the United Way of Central Maryland.
Kenn Miller, the Scout Executive and CEO for the Baltimore Area Council, Boy Scouts of America, and Franklin Baker, the President and CEO of the United Way of Central Maryland, came together to celebrate this community collaboration and to thank all involved.
“When the Key Bridge collapsed, we knew there would be a need for the Boy Scouts to engage,” said Miller. “That’s part of our history, and we determined that we would issue a special commemorative Key Bridge patch, with the proceeds going to support the dockworkers that were affected by the collapse of the Key Bridge.”
Miller proudly stated, “I’m pleased to tell you that through our scouts, throughout the country and throughout the world, we sold 1,300 patches Key Bridge commemorative patches, and we are pleased to present the United Way of Central Maryland with a check for the Bridging the Gap Fund in the amount of $32,500.”
Franklin Baker expressed his gratitude for the support, highlighting the importance of such contributions. “Thank you, Ken. To you, Boy Scouts is here in Baltimore for the incredible gift. We’re proud of our young people that really understand the issue at hand. The bridge collapse not only has implications for Baltimore but around the world. The $32,500 that you have contributed to United Way will prove extremely helpful to the workers there and also address some of the mid-term and longer-term needs that we know will happen in the weeks and months ahead.”
This collaborative effort between the Boy Scouts and the United Way exemplifies the strength and resilience of the Maryland community. “It takes partnerships like this to really make Maryland Tough and Baltimore Strong,” Baker emphasized. “Thank you so very much for your incredible gift to United Way… In times of crisis, it is partnerships and community-driven initiatives like this that truly make a difference, showing that by working together, we can overcome even the most challenging obstacles.”