The Right Side Foundation Hosts "Fun for 21" Event at Maryland Science Center for Casey Cares Foundation

The Right Side Foundation today hosted its first “Fun for 21” event of 2010. The nonprofit organization, created by Orioles’ outfielder Nick Markakis and his wife Christina in May 2009, invited a group from the Casey Cares Foundation for a day of fun at the Maryland Science Center. The “Fun for 21” program was created by Nick and Christina to offer select groups of 21 (Nick’s jersey number) children with an experience that enables them to forget about the obstacles in their lives and enjoy the fun of being a child.

The group from Casey Cares was provided a day-long pass to tour the Maryland Science Center, viewed the IMAX film “Forces of Nature,” and enjoyed a complimentary lunch provided by ARAMARK Food Services, a supporting partner of The Right Side Foundation. Nick and Christina watched the movie and ate lunch with the children. Afterwards, Nick took photos with the kids and signed autographs. In addition, the Markakis’ donated their suite at Camden Yards to Casey Cares for tonight’s Orioles game versus the New York Yankees, which the organization will use to host families within their network.

"We are so thankful to Nick and Christina for providing an escape for these children, who are battling for their lives, today at the Science Center,” said Casey Baynes, founder and Executive Director of the Casey Cares foundation. “It was an amazing day without needle pricks and scans for some of the critically ill children in our programs, not to mention the once in a lifetime opportunity for them to see a movie with their favorite Orioles player."

Based in Baltimore, The Casey Cares Foundation provides ongoing, uplifting programs with a special touch to critically ill children and their families. Casey Baynes founded Casey Cares in 2000 to fill a void in services available for critically ill children.

This was the first of six “Fun for 21” events scheduled for 2010. The Right Side Foundation is planning to host one event per month, April – September with local nonprofit organizations aligned with the mission of the organization, which is to help improve the lives of distressed children throughout the State of Maryland.