Freedom Federal Credit Union Donates To University Of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health Foundation Through The Hits For Healthy Kids Program

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In celebration of Freedom Federal Credit Union’s Hits for Healthy Kids program, IronBirds Mascot, Ripcord, appears with members of UM UCH’s dedicated pediatric care team and Foundation alongside executive staff from Freedom Federal Credit Union and the Aberdeen IronBirds.
Pictured L to R: From Freedom Federal Credit Union- Patrice Ricciardi, Sr. Director of Business Development; Michele Young, COO; Carmen David Mirabile, SVP Marketing; Mike MacPherson, President & CEO; Keith Gill, CFO; From Upper Chesapeake- Ken Ferrara, Vice President and Executive Director of the Foundation; Karen Hensley, Director of Women’s, Children’s and Observational Services; Crystal Clark, Philanthropy Manager of the Foundation; Alissa Stieber, Pediatric RN; From the Aberdeen IronBirds- Ryan Christy, Director of Corporate Partnerships

The Program, in Partnership with the Aberdeen IronBirds, Provides $3000 to Support Pediatric Respiratory Services

Thanks to a new philanthropic partnership with Freedom Federal Credit Union, Hits for Healthy Kids, The Aberdeen IronBirds were playing for more than just points this season. Every time an IronBirds player got a hit during a home game, Freedom Federal Credit Union donated $10 to benefit pediatric services at University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health (UM UCH) in Bel Air.

On September 18, Executives and staff from Freedom Federal Credit Union and the Aberdeen IronBirds visited UM UCH’s Bel Air hospital, where they met with pediatric staff and presented a check in the amount of $3,000 to Foundation Executive Director, Ken Ferrara, and several pediatric specialists.

The funds will be used to purchase 300 pediatric spacers for children with respiratory distress stemming from asthma or infection. The spacers attach to inhalers and aid in better delivering the medication into a child’s lungs. Jennifer Thomas, BSN, Staff Development Nurse for Pediatrics and Special Care Nursery stated, “Thanks to the donation, when insurance will not cover the cost of these components, our pediatric staff will be able to send the units home with children who need them at no cost.”

The IronBird’s mascot, Ripcord, came along to show his support for the program and the young patients who will benefit. “We are so proud of our relationship with Freedom Federal Credit Union,” stated Jack Graham, the new General Manager for the Aberdeen IronBirds. “Freedom is a great partner here internally with our staff, helping guide individuals to make smart financial decisions, and the Hits for Healthy Kids campaign is such a wonderful way to work together for our community. Thank you, Freedom, for your partnership and contribution!”

Freedom Federal Credit Union’s President and CEO, Mike MacPherson, along with other Freedom representatives, greeted the pediatric staff at Upper Chesapeake, and used the occasion to present The Upper Chesapeake Health Foundation with the donation for the unit. “It was an exciting summer to watch the games and see our contribution grow,” commented MacPherson. “We have supported the hospital for almost 25 years, and it is always great to find new and exciting ways to partner, especially when Harford County youth stand to benefit. Thank you to the IronBirds for giving us the opportunity to run with this idea.”

“Thanks to Hits for Healthy Kids, UM UCH can provide better, more complete, care for our pediatric patients in respiratory distress. We are extremely grateful for the continued generosity of Freedom Federal Credit Union and the new partnership with the Aberdeen IronBirds,” said Ken Ferrara, Vice President and Executive Director of The Upper Chesapeake Health Foundation.

With Hits for Healthy Kids, Freedom builds on the existing partnership already established with UMUCH. To date, Freedom has donated more than $150,000 to the health system.

About Freedom Federal Credit Union

Freedom Federal Credit Union is a community-chartered federal credit union offering consumer financial services to those who live, work, volunteer, worship, attend school, or have family in Harford County. Additionally, Freedom offers a full-line of banking services for all businesses, associations, and other organizations that are based in Harford County. Freedom has been in business since 1953 and has five locations throughout Harford County. To learn more, visit freedomfcu.org

About The Upper Chesapeake Health Foundation

The Upper Chesapeake Health Foundation supports the mission of University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health through developing relationships with local citizens and organizations who wish to take part in the expansion and improvement of healthcare services provided in Harford County. Through the work of The Upper Chesapeake Health Foundation, the community supports their hospital through philanthropic gifts, planned giving, participation in fundraising events and volunteerism.

About The Aberdeen IronBirds

The IronBirds, short-season ‘Class-A’ affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, are owned by Harford County’s own Bill Ripken and his brother, Hall of Famer Cal Ripken, Jr. Playing games at Aberdeen’s Leidos Field at Ripken Stadium since 2002, the IronBirds provide affordable family entertainment in the Upper Chesapeake region while working with community partners to better the community the team plays in. In 2019, the IronBirds will provide nearly $300,000 in charitable giving and support to Harford County-based non-profit organizations.

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