Orioles, Boys And Girls Club Partner For Walk

It's that time of year again to Pledge The Bird to help Sarasota kids stay safe.

The Baltimore Orioles and Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County are partnering again for the third annual Walk For The Kids.

The 3K walk takes place Saturday, Sept. 15 at Ed Smith Stadium. After the walk, all sorts of free games and activities will take place for families and kids in the area.

The walk's goal is to raise awareness about providing safe places for kids to spend their time, such as the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.

"It's definitely to help the kids with these programs and supplies," said Fred Monix, Unit Director at the Roy McBean Club in Newtown. 

During the school year at the Roy McBean Club, the cost to the kids to participate is little to nothing to help kids come to a safe place to play without having to worry about cost, Monix said, so fundraising is a huge part of that to make these programs affordable. About 230 kids a day come through that club's doors, he added.

The Roy McBean Club has a team led by Roy McBean BGC Youth of the Year, Allyiah Bartley, a member for more than 10 years, and honor student and president of her class at  

You can even sponsor the club's team and help them meet their goal. You can search for a team online to donate.

Entry costs $25 for the walk; free for children younger than 18 years old. You can sponsor, donate or join the walk at www.walkforthekids.com.

As of Friday, more than $52,000 has been raised.