May 2025

Back-to-Back Fundraisers Supporting The Baltimore Station

It has been an exciting time for our team here at The Baltimore Station hosting back-to-back fundraising events to engage our current supporters, meet some new faces, and of course raise critical funds for the men we proudly serve. 

First up, we hosted our third annual Take a Swing for Recovery at Topgolf Baltimore. This fun-filled afternoon welcomed guests to test their skills at the driving range and aim their sights on the perfect shot! More than 130 guests participated in this unique golf tournament, raising funds to support the therapeutic and residential opportunities we offer. Players competed against other teams, enjoyed a backyard barbeque lunch, and tested their luck with our fabulous raffles. Win or lose, everyone left with a smile on their face knowing they spent a few hours supporting a good cause. We welcomed Domino’s Pizza back for their third year supporting the event, this time as our presenting sponsor, and WMAR, our media sponsor. Congratulations to WPG for winning Best Overall Team and our very own clinical support specialist, Tyqueria Richardson, for winning Best Individual! 

Up next, we hosted our very first horse racing event, Off to the Races! Just in time for Preakness, this social event gave everyone a chance to break out their fascinators and cheer on their favorite horses. We welcomed over 120 guests to play games, watch horse races and try their hand at winning big. We ran 10 pre-recorded horse races and watched as the crowd cheered on their favorites and grimaced at their losses. We had such a fun time connecting with our Locust Point and South Baltimore communities and raising money for the men at The Baltimore Station. We even had a best dressed award which was presented to Stella Jenkins for her elegant dress and vibrant feather hat.

A heartfelt thank you to our incredible sponsors, volunteers, Friends of The Station, board members, and longtime Station supporter, Kevin Anselmi, for helping us make this event possible. Sharing our mission with the community is always a joy—especially at events as fun and memorable as these!  

Be sure to check out our website for more photos of Take a Swing for Recovery and Off to the Races!

Spring Cleaning for the Soul: Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the importance of emotional well-being—and one of the simplest ways to start is by creating a clean, peaceful environment. At The Baltimore Station, we kicked off the month with a full-scale spring cleaning effort, turning our focus inward and outward to refresh both our space and our spirits.

Over the course of three days, the men in our program rolled up their sleeves and worked together to clean every corner of our facility from top to bottom. But this wasn’t just about dusting shelves or mopping floors—it was about reclaiming control, reducing stress, and building community.

Spring cleaning has a powerful effect on mental health. Decluttering and organizing your surroundings can ease anxiety, lift your mood, and bring a sense of accomplishment. It’s a physical reset that mirrors the emotional renewal we seek during this season of growth.

Even more inspiring than the spotless halls and shining windows were the moments of connection we witnessed. The men laughed, played their favorite music, and sang along as they worked. Some who had been quiet for months stepped up as natural leaders, guiding others through cleaning projects. Younger clients took on bigger responsibilities and pushed themselves outside their comfort zones. It was a beautiful reminder that healing and transformation can happen in unexpected ways.

We wrapped up our spring refresh with a well-earned lunch, generously provided by Prime Plumbing. The menu featured seven delicious sub options and creamy mac and cheese—the perfect way to end a few days of hard work and celebrate a job well done.

This experience was a meaningful start to Mental Health Awareness Month and a reminder that small actions, like cleaning a shared space, can have a big impact on our mental well-being. Here's to fresh starts and new seasons, inside and out.

Making Memories at Movie Night

Last month, over two dozen clients enjoyed an evening of action and entertainment with an international twist as Baltimore Bushido hosted the first-ever Anime Movie Night at The Baltimore Station.

With plenty of popcorn, pizza and snacks to go around, our clients and guests enjoyed Baki Hanma vs Kengen Ashura, an action-packed martial arts feature, then mingled to discuss the movie and learn more about anime culture in Baltimore. 

Our clients sampled a wide array of Japanese snacks, candy, and drinks such as Hi-Chews, ChocoPies, and flavored Kit Kats. “They had a lot of good stuff,” said one veteran. “I loved the ChocoPies. Man, those things are good.”

The movie was popular, the snacks were a hit, and the connection between the two groups was the star of the evening. “The response was great. We shared laughs and stories and good vibes,” said Blake Williams, the founder of Baltimore Bushido. “I can’t wait to volunteer again.” 

The unique perspective of Baltimore Bushido echoed The Station’s mission to help our clients see the world through a new lens—different conversations, different foods, different experiences that help them shine a light on all the possibilities that await them. Williams founded the group as a way to help introverted anime fans build connection, and what began with a three-person meeting last fall has now exploded into a thriving organization with well over 100 members and counting.

“The goal was to get people out of the house and off of their phones to form real life connections and to give back to the community,” said Williams. “The payout is seeing people labeled as nerds with anxiety coming out of their shells, and that’s totally worth it to me.”

Many clients also know how it feels to be reduced to a label or boxed in by anxieties, and both organizations are striving to help people who often feel inadequate see their value through positive, communal connections. With such a relatable theme, Anime Movie Night helped our clients see what Baltimore Bushido has already demonstrated—there are always far more people like ourselves out there than we expect.

Thank you to Baltimore Bushido for an amazing evening, and R/C Hollywood Cinema 4 in Arbutus for their generous popcorn donation. Have an interest you think our clients would enjoy? Reach out to Volunteer Coordinator Pete Crispino or email volunteers@baltimorestation.org.

What's Coming Up?

Support our Station Summer Fishing Trips: The Baltimore Station needs your support this summer! We are seeking fishing supplies to support our four upcoming trips to local fishing piers this spring and summer. Some items can be found on our Amazon Wishlist but we can also use gift cards to Bass Pro Shop or gas stations. 

Please reach out to crispino@baltimorestation.org if you would like to support!

Monthly Giving Program