November 2022

All Sunshine and Smiles at This Year's Stars, Stripes, and Chow

Is your mouth still watering from all the chili at this year’s Stars, Stripes, and Chow Chili Cook-Off, presented by M&T Bank? I know ours are! On November 5, we held our 8th spectacular chili cook-off with amazing new recipes, exciting raffles prizes, a petting zoo, and the highest attendance ever. The Oriole Bird even made an appearance to support The Station! 

As soon as the gates opened, the competition was on! This year we had the most teams competing ever at nine, each fighting to be on top with their own special recipe of our favorite winter comfort food. We had first-time groups like the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) and Mount Hebron High School taking on returning competitors like Praxis and MartinFederal. Each team spent months planning the best theme, experimenting with unique chili flavors, and building a strong team of friendly chili servers. Our five judges, representing each branch of the military and guest judge Justin Chambers from media sponsor Fox45, had a tough decision ahead of them; but when put in the hot seat, Mount Hebron High School (pictured above) smoked the competition, taking home Judge’s Choice. Our returning crowd favorite team Maryland Multi-Housing Association (MMHA) took the People's Choice prize once again for the second year in a row with their Godfather inspired chili, “The Good Chili”. Best theme, was awarded to Fuchs North America, for their Harry Potter theme.

This year’s weather provided a beautiful day to not only eat some great chili but also to enjoy music from Soundcheck Rock Academy. Musicians of all ages came out to give the show of a lifetime. However, if flavorful chili and great music weren’t enough, we had pit turkey, ham, and beef sandwiches donated by the Knights of Columbus, pizza from Baltimore’s Best Pizza - Pizza di Joey, and beverages provided by City Limits. There were family-friendly activities galore with our Kids Zone, petting zoo, balloon artist, caricaturists and cupcake decorating. There was something for everyone to enjoy at Stars, Stripes, and Chow.

A huge thank you to all our teams, volunteers, presenting sponsor M&T Bank and other sponsors, performers, and guests who spent their Saturday afternoon with us to support the men we proudly serve. Because of everyone’s generosity, we were able to raise over $77,000 which will go directly back to bettering the lives of the veterans at The Baltimore Station. Check out the photos here!

Mark your calendars for the 9th annual Stars, Stripes and Chow Chili Cook-Off which will take place on Saturday, November 4^th, 2023 at Camden Yards. We hope you’re able to join us! If you’re interested in sponsoring a team next year, be sure to contact Alexandra Protos at aprotos@baltimorestation.org as soon as possible as we expect slots to sell out.  

An Inspiring Day with Junior Volunteers

While everyone was gearing up for Halloween, we were fortunate enough to welcome more than 30 middle school students to The Baltimore Station.

Maryland Youth Partners in Change has been working with our program for more than five years to inspire young volunteers to do what they can to make a difference in their communities. 

These students came out to learn about homelessness from Bill Wells, a representative from the Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services. They also learned how addiction can contribute to homelessness from our very own Assistant Clinical Director, Paul Martin. After hearing from Mr. Martin and Mr. Wells, students spoke with three of our clients about their experiences with addiction and homelessness. It was important to our clients that the students walked away with messages of believing in themselves and the value of fighting for their dreams.

After a short break to enjoy the sunshine outside and eat a quick snack, our junior volunteers came back inside to fulfill three big service projects. They helped to sort winter coat donations, organized toiletries, and sanitized our client library. It was great to see how inspired everyone was to give back. We wish everyone in Maryland Youth Partners in Change all the best as they visit various sites around Baltimore City before their presentation to the Mayor and City Council in April!

Thank You and Happy Veterans Day

For many of us, Veterans Day is commemorated by watching parades, waving American flags, and thanking those who have served. But, what is the real significance of Veterans Day and where did it all begin?

Although it is called Veterans Day here in the United States, November 11th is celebrated around the world as a day of remembrance and a celebration of peace. The day marks the official end to World War 1, when the Armistice with Germany went into effect. In fact, the original name for the holiday, and what it is often referred to as in other countries, is Armistice Day. The first celebration of Armistice Day was the one-year anniversary of the end to The Great War, a congressional act would make this a national holiday on May 13, 1938, and 21 years later the title would be changed to Veterans Day.

Often getting mixed up with Memorial Day, Veterans Day is a celebration of all those who have served in the US Military. Whereas Memorial Day honors those who have passed. Veterans Day also celebrates the heroism of those fighting for our country along with a reminder to hope for peace. 

To veterans of all branches: Thank you for your sacrifice, your bravery, and the example you set for us all. 

Source 

Giving Tuesday - November 29

The Baltimore Station will participate in GivingTuesday on November 29, the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. It is touted as a "global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world." 

Our goal is to raise $15,000 in just ONE DAY for enhanced security measures at both of our facilities to keep our vulnerable population safe. Be sure to watch all of the GivingTuesday excitement on our social media platforms! If your business is interested in participating in our donation match program, please contact Kim Callari at kcallari@baltimorestation.org.

A Slice of Something Special

A huge thank you to longtime supporter and board member of The Baltimore Station, Joey Vanoni aka Pizza di Joey. Joey has been serving up Baltimore’s Best Pizza for years while supporting the local community and getting involved in our mission. As a board member and board Secretary, he helps to advise our organization on how to best help the veterans we proudly serve. He has also shown his support through serving his pizza at our two signature fundraisers: Homerun for Recovery and Stars, Stripes, and Chow Chili Cook-Off and hosting events at his restaurant for The Baltimore Station.

As a US Navy Veteran himself, Joey has made and served his pizza all over the world to his Navy mates. When he returned to The States, he continued his passion for pizza and started a food truck. Pizza di Joey food truck started in Anne Arundel County and Baltimore City and quickly became a hit in the community. He now has his own brick and mortar stall in the Cross Street Market to sell from, serving us one great slice after another. We are so proud to watch Joey’s success grow, in both his pizzeria and his dedication to support the community! 

Thank you for all the support you have offered The Baltimore Station over the years! For more information about Joey Vanoni’s story, be sure to check out his interview article in Voyage Baltimore and on WJZ. 

Giving Tuesday

DATE: Tuesday, November 29

LOCATION: Social media platforms

This year, we are raising funds to improve security for our men as their safety is of the upmost importance.

baltimorestation.org/donate

Holiday Volunteer Potluck

DATE: Monday, December 12 | 5:30pm

LOCATION: The Baltimore Station, West Street

Bring your favorite holiday dish to share with the men at The Baltimore Station. If you are interested in volunteering at this fun-filled meal service, please email lfrazier@baltimorestation.org for more information or to sign up!

Be sure to keep an eye on our website to see the latest blog posts. In case you missed them, take a peek below!

What is a Ruck March?

Happy Fall - A Reflection of This Past Summer at The Baltimore Station

Plus...

Our program was featured in the latest edition of The Baltimore Magazine!