Orioles Foundation Donates $25,000 For Baton Rouge Flood Recovery

At a game last month, Kevin Gausman presented his check for the combined donation made from his personal gift and his online fundraiser. Credit: Baltimore Orioles

Following pitcher Kevin Gausman's lead, the Baltimore Orioles Charitable Foundation is giving $25,000 to Baton Rouge flood relief, team officials announced

In August, Gausman launched a campaign for the Baton Rouge Area Foundation's Louisiana Flood Relief Fund. The former LSU star lives in Baton Rouge. He personally gave $15,000 and launched an online fundraiser that brought in nearly $17,000 more.

The Orioles say they hope their gift helps the fund reach its goal of $2 million for disaster recovery.

“This disaster has done so much damage to homes, businesses, and families in the Louisiana area,” Gausman said in a statement. “I know this community will respond and rebuild, but I hope everyone can band together to assist those that are most in need right now. I’d like to thank the Orioles for their generous donation and encourage others to aid in the relief efforts in any way possible.”

Gausman isn't the only Oriole connection to Baton Rouge. Former pitcher, LSU alum and occasional Orioles radio broadcaster Ben McDonald is a Baton Rouge native. He helped with the rescue and recovery, and members of the LSU baseball team helped McDonald's mother-in-law clean out her flooded home.

If you want to help support the recovery effort, you can do so online. The foundation is 84 percent of the way there, and all gifts are tax-deductible.