Markakis hosts first ‘Fun for 21′ event - BaltimoreSun.com

Orioles right fielder Nick Markakis and his wife Christina played host to 21 kids today from the Ronald McDonald House in their first event for the “Fun for 21″ program.

The Markakises met the kids at the Inner Harbor’s ESPN Zone, where they played games, were treated to lunch, posed for pictures and got autographs from the fourth-year Oriole. They then headed to the National Aquarium, where the afternoon included a viewing of the dolphin show.

“Each of them has the pleasure of watching Nick Markakis play,” said Marianne Rowan-Braun, president of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Baltimore. “It’s a disconnect from what [the kids] endure each and every day. We are immeasurably grateful to Nick and Christina.”

"The Fun for 21″ program is a major part of The Right Side Foundation’s efforts to improve the lives of distressed children throughout Maryland. The foundation was launched last month by the Markakises, fulfilling a promise that Nick made after singing a long-term extension with the club before the season.

Each month, the “Fun for 21″ program will host an event and select a different community group as the beneficiary.

“It’s a feeling you can’t describe until you’re actually out there, playing with the kids, working with them,” said Markakis, who also participated in a brief question-and-answer session with the attendees. “I’m looking forward to many, many more events.”

Several of the children took great pride in challenging Markakis in different things, from throwing a football to air hockey.

“It’s an awesome feeling to know that we’re here and the kids are having the time of their lives,” said Christina Markakis, who gave birth to the couple’s first child in March. “It’s very special to be a part of it.”