Catholic Charities’ Iconic Dragon Boat Races Return to Baltimore’s InnerHarbor

AUGUST 2023/BALTIMORE, MD–Twenty-five years after Catholic Charities first brought the Dragon Boat Races to Baltimore, the biennial event is back!

Join Catholic Charities at the Inner Harbor’s West Shore Park on September 9th beginning at 8 A.M., for a day filled with friendly competition on the water, followed by a Noon kickoff of local musicians to help you dance off that cup of morning Joe, several local food and drink vendors to satisfy your taste buds, and plenty of family-fun for children of all ages.

Launched as part of Catholic Charities’ 75th anniversary, the Dragon Boat Races provide opportunities for local companies, nonprofits, and schools to come together and learn about the agency’s 80 programs.

“Our Dragon Boat Races have a meaning and purpose that runs deeper than our one-day public event,” said Catholic Charities Executive Director Bill McCarthy. “The partnership between our programs and those competing on their behalf begins months before the actual races. Some teams visit & volunteer at their partner programs which gives them a deeper commitment and understanding of how Catholic Charities works to help Marylanders in need. We are truly humbled by how many relationships are formed and extend beyond race day.”

The biennial fundraising event was not held in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and postponed until the agency’s centennial year – 2023.

“We wanted this race to be a part of Catholic Charities’ centennial year,” said Natalia M. Ramirez, director of stewardship and events. “We were intentional about making this year a bigger and bolder community celebration in Baltimore City where Catholic Charities began serving those in need 100 years ago.”

M&T Bank is the proud presenting sponsor for the 2023 Dragon Boat Races. M&T is a long-standing partner of Catholic Charities, contributing more than $1.1 million to help further support its mission in serving the Baltimore community. This year, the M&T Dragon Boat team is excited to support My Sister’s Place Women’s Center as its partner program and defend the championship title.

“M&T Bank is thrilled to be this year’s presenting sponsor for the Dragon Boat Races. As a community-focused bank, we’re proud to uphold our partnership with Catholic Charities to help continue making Baltimore a great place to live, work and play,” said Augie Chiasera M&T Bank’s regional president for Greater Baltimore. “Supporting the Dragon Boat Races not only reinforces our commitment to the city, but it’s an exciting day for the community and our team looks forward to participating.”

Whether you’re on a team, cheering for a paddler or just ready for a fantastic festival—The 12th Biennial Dragon Boat Races on September 9th will not disappoint.

Be sure to join us for all the fun and use #CCMDDragonBoats for all social posts.

ABOUT CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF BALTIMORE

Catholic Charities of Baltimore celebrates 100 years of improving the lives of Marylanders in need. Established in 1923, inspiration came from the direction of Bishop Carroll in 1792 that one-third of parish revenue would be provided for relief of the poor. Today, 100 years stronger, the organization is Maryland’s largest private provider of human services, with more than 80 programs in 200 locations. Catholic Charities focuses on the key causes of Achieving Independence, Welcoming New Neighbors, Empowering Careers, Supporting Children & Families, Healing Trauma & Addiction and Aging with Dignity. Inspired by the gospel mandates to love, serve, and teach, Catholic Charities is committed to a Maryland where each person has the opportunity to reach his or her God-given potential. www.cc-md.org

ABOUT M&T BANK

M&T Bank Corporation is a financial holding company headquartered in Buffalo, New York. M&T’s principal banking subsidiary, M&T Bank, provides banking products and services in 12 states across the northeastern U.S. from Maine to Virginia and Washington, D.C. Trust-related services are provided in select markets in the U.S. and abroad by M&T’s Wilmington Trust-affiliated companies and by M&T Bank. For more information about M&T Bank, visit www.mtb.com.

Media Contact

Andy Wayne
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