November 2024

Veterans Day Celebrations

Our community showed up in a huge way to celebrate our veterans this year on Veterans Day! As an organization dedicated to supporting veterans from all over, we do our best to highlight the wishes of our veteran clients each year as we schedule both volunteers and special outings. This year we were able to celebrate our heroes five times, with special meals, kind gifts, and social outings. 

We started the festivities on Friday with a special flag raising ceremony hosted by M&T Bank and organized by one of our board members, Banking Services Analyst and Mid-Atlantic Veterans’ Resource Group President, Andy Bagby. We watched the flag rise high above us with the sun rising behind it followed by a speech from our Executive Director, Kim Callari. She spoke to the importance of never leaving our service members behind saying, “Veterans did not serve alone, and they should not have to face the challenges of reintegration and homelessness alone. It is on all of us—our local communities, our businesses, and organizations, like The Baltimore Station—to come together and ensure that those who have given so much for us are supported in their time of need.” A huge thank you to M&T Bank for their continued commitment to service members and The Baltimore Station. 

Next, we had a weekend filled with fun, driving our van in the Baltimore City Veterans Day Parade and even getting a picture with the Mayor. We welcomed returning volunteers, led by Sarah Caruso and Filomena Watcher, to host a special luncheon at The Baltimore Station serving up a delicious BBQ meal and singing patriotic songs together. They even passed out new pajamas and toiletries so all the men could have a special gift as a thank you for their service. Finally, we welcomed New Profit on Veterans Day to serve a catered Italian dinner with all our favorites; baked rigatoni, meatballs, garlic bread, and of course some mini cream puffs and cannoli. We could not think of a better way to celebrate than with delicious food and time spent in fellowship with others. 

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

10th Anniversary Stars, Stripes and Chow Chili Re-Cap

It was all smiles and spices for our 10th annual Stars, Stripes, and Chow; Chili Cookoff, presented by M&T Bank, at Oriole Park at Camden Yards! As we celebrated 10 years of competing for the best chili, guests enjoyed a photo booth, a petting zoo, free parking as always, with some new surprises like live music from 2000 Watts, an appearance from Baltimore Raven Trenton Simpson, and limited-edition 10th Anniversary Chili T-Shirts sponsored by Allegis! 

Our biggest year yet welcomed over 400 guests to enjoy all the festivities while helping us to raise critical funds for the men we serve at The Baltimore Station. We were lucky once again to have some of the most beautiful weather with sunshine all day and a cool breeze to keep everyone craving some warm chili! However, if flavorful chili wasn’t enough, we also had burgers and hot dogs from our kitchen, pizza from Baltimore’s Best Pizza - Pizza di Joey, cupcakes made by Jessica Gorman, and beverages provided by City Limits. Plus, family-friendly activities galore with our Kids Zone, petting zoo, balloon artist, and caricaturists.

This year, eleven teams competed for best chili, judges’ choice, and best theme and boy did they come to fight for that win! We had spice and heat from teams like Element Fleet and BGE Exelon and some with bold flavors from Society of American Military Engineers (S.A.M.E.) and Jimmy’s Famous Seafood. But for those who tried them all, there certainly wasn’t a bad bowl in the mix! Unfortunately, there could only be one winner. This year, Maryland Multi-Housing Association (MMHA), had a clean sweep winning all three of the awards! 

A huge thank you to all our teams, volunteers, presenting sponsor M&T Bank as well as other sponsors, judges, media partner Fox45, 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 $110,000 which will go directly back to bettering the lives of the veterans at The Baltimore Station.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 1st, 2025, for next year’s Stars, Stripes and Chow chili cookoff. If you’re interested in sponsoring a team next year, be sure to contact Alexandra Protos-Saraceno at aprotos@baltimorestation.org as soon as possible as we expect slots to sell out. And don’t forget to check out the photos from this year right here.

Giving Thank You, Tuesday

This year we are breaking the rules! As we fully immerse ourselves into the holiday season, we are taking this time to celebrate Giving Tuesday as Thank you Tuesday instead. 

To Friends and Supporters of The Baltimore Station,

We extend our deepest gratitude for your unwavering support and dedication to our mission of supporting homeless veterans who are overcoming obstacles to regain self-sufficiency. Your generosity and compassion have made a profound impact on the lives of countless individuals. From hours of volunteering to monetary gifts for the success of our mission, we truly could not do the work we do without all of you.

Your contributions, both large and small, have enabled us to provide essential services such as:

Safe, Stable Housing: Securing housing is the first step towards recovery. Your support allows us to provide a safe place for veterans to work on becoming the best versions of themselves while connecting with the community at large.

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment: We offer comprehensive mental health and substance abuse treatment programs to address underlying issues and remove men from a cycle of homelessness.

Case Management and Supportive Services: Our dedicated case managers provide ongoing support and guidance to help veterans overcome challenges and build a brighter future.



Your generosity has not only provided tangible resources but also instilled hope and dignity in the lives of our veterans. Your commitment to our cause inspires us to continue our work and strive for a future where no veteran is left behind.

Thank you for being a part of our mission. Together, we are turning lives around.

With Gratitude,

The Staff and Residents of The Baltimore Station



What's Coming Up?

Season of Giving Amazon Wishlist

Interested in supporting The Baltimore Station in a unique way this holiday season? Consider purchasing an item off our Amazon Wishlist. All items on this list go directly towards supporting the veterans in our care and ensuring the success of our mission. 

Monthly Giving Program