Maryland New Directions (MND), the award winning non-profit organization, which has provided no-cost employment counseling and specialized career training programs for Baltimore area residents for more than 40 years, slam dunks its way into “Round Four, the Engaged Eight” in Baltimore’s first ever “Brackets for Good” tournament style fundraising competition.
Playing off the nation’s March Madness college basketball bracket-frenzy each year, Brackets for Good hosts this single-elimination, bracket-style fundraising tournament across the country that raises funds and promotes awareness for nonprofit organizations of all sizes.
In Round Four, which runs through March 24, 2017 at 8 p.m., MND plans a full court press to move forward to the penultimate round with an eye on taking the championship.
In Round Four MND competes against the Red Devils Breast Cancer Support, two of only eight nonprofits that remain in the competition of the original 56 selected. They will battle it out for their spot in the semifinals, as only four nonprofits will advance. However, with all of the funds being raised, it’s obvious that everybody wins!
Currently MND holds the title of Top Scorer in Baltimore (points equal dollar donations) and the overall champion in each city will receive an additional $10,000 from Brackets for Good— so
the game is heated and the stakes are high.
“Our team is playing hard and we are in WIN mode,” said Barbara Reed, MND development manager
Baltimore businesses are warming the bench by joining the “Jump Shots for Jobs” campaign.
“The local business support has been incredible, including game-changers CohnReznick, Greater Chesapeake Charitable Foundation, MECU, Mt. Washington Tavern, R-House, On The
Border, Uno Harbor Place, and many others. Everyone is in the game and we are scoring,” she said.
Don’t drop the ball! The public is invited to join the fundraising for MND and help improve the economic future for Baltimore and its residents.
“If you’re interested in supporting families, youth and economic growth, join our team today and help raise awareness, become a partner and participate in the giving,” Reed said.
One of the programs that will benefit from the funds raised is MND’s Opportunity Youth Employment Program, which provides additional coaching, internships, support services and other
certifications to help launch young Baltimoreans into their careers.
Also in for the win are the more than 350 motivated job seekers annually, most of whom face significant obstacles in finding a job or establishing a new career. Maryland New Directions’ holistic approach and valuable employer partnerships create opportunity for long-term careers and produce remarkable outcomes that include industry recognized credentials, a livable wage and an impressive employment retention rate of more than 80 percent of its graduates.
To donate and help position Maryland New Directions for the 2017 Brackets for Good Championship, visit https://baltimore.bfg.org/city. To learn more about MND, visit: www.mdnew
directions.org or www.facebook.com/MNDBaltimore/.