The Cal Ripken, Jr. Connection

The Kelly and Cal Ripken, Jr. Foundation

Kelly and Cal Ripken, Jr. have been long active in the Baltimore community in a variety of ways. This includes the Kelly and Cal Ripken, Jr. Foundation, which supports a wide variety of family and community initiatives in education, health and recreation. 

Cal and Kelly have helped Baltimore Reads from the beginning - personally raising $1.2 million for the Ripken Learning Center at Baltimore Reads. Other innovative programs include "Winterfest for Literacy" and the annual "Reading, Runs, and Ripken" drives - in which individuals and businesses pledged funds based on the number of RBIs Cal collected over a baseball season.  Cal's "The Only Way I Know" book tour further drove home his continuing committment to literacy.  The Ripken Society was created as a major gifts circle to honor Kelly and Cal's generous contributions.

Today, Cal remains actively involved with Baltimore Reads, providing support through personal appearances, and serving as a source of inspiration to Baltimore Reads students.  Kelly's father Bob Geer is a committed Baltimore Reads volunteer and a leader of Books For Kids Day.

Dear Friend, We are proud to have been involved with Baltimore Reads over the years. The ability to read is the key to information and helps us in so many different ways - at school, at work, and in life. Reading with our own children every day was the first important step in their education. We hope that you will join us in supporting adults who want to change their lives for themselves and their family.  At the Ripken Learning Center, adults are learning the skills to get and keep jobs and to encourage their own children to succeed in school. You can help our efforts by making a pledge to Baltimore Reads today.  Help us make a difference by building a community of strong learners. Most Sincerely, Kelly and Cal Ripken