Transform Communities Change Kids' Lives

2021 Foundation Spotlight: Ollie's Bargain Outlet

Over the last 20 years the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation has partnered with many generous organizations that have had an enormous impact on how we do business today. One of the most influential partners has been Ollie’s Bargain Outlet, once led by our former Ripken Foundation Chairman of the Board and friend, Mark Butler. Mark was a steadfast supporter of the Foundation for nine years before his sudden passing in November 2019. Through his vision and commitment, we were able to help thousands of at-risk youth in need across the country. “Mark Butler was more than a business leader and philanthropist; he was a great friend who is missed every day. As chairman of the Board of Directors he showed passion for the at-risk youth we impact year-round and provided us with the vision and guidance that allows us to reach so many,” said Cal Ripken, Jr. 

And, today his legacy continues as his daughter Brooke Butler Wagner has joined our Board of Directors and new Ollie’s Bargain Outlet President and CEO, John Swygert has made the Foundation one of Ollie’s corporate charitable program partners. “Our mission is to support organizations that better the lives of children and provide the best opportunities to our next generation. That is why, Ollie’s is proud to support the work of the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation and the 1.2 million at-risk youth they impact across the country,” stated Mr. Swygert. 

Ollie’s has raised $12.8 million over the last 11 consecutive years to support the Ripken Foundation’s programs and parks through their fall in-store point-of purchase campaign. “Ollie’s has been one of our most generous corporate partners providing unwavering support of our parks and programs. I want to personally thank John Swygert, Ollie’s President and CEO, for continuing the legacy that our former Chairman, Mark Butler, started 12 years ago and your commitment to the work that we do.  We hope to continue this successful partnership for many years to come,” said President and CEO of the Ripken Foundation, Steve Salem. This year’s 12th annual Ollie’s in-store point-of-purchase campaign begins August 29th and goes through September 25th.

Thanks to this successful giving campaign, Ollie’s has contributed to 13 of the Ripken Foundation’s Youth Development Parks in California, Florida, Maryland, New York, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania. These multipurpose or baseball turf fields provide clean, safe recreational places for kids to play and learn. Our partnership with Ollie’s has left an indelible legacy in local communities where Ollie’s employees work and live. We thank them for their faithful partnership through the years. 

CELEBRATING 100 FIELDS IN 2021

The Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation is about to open our 100th Youth Development Park in the Cherry Hill neighborhood of Baltimore City. To date, over 500,000 at-risk youth have access to one of our Youth Development Parks in 26 states and Washington, D.C., including 19 Adaptive Fields for children with special needs. These baseball or multipurpose, low-maintenance, synthetic surface fields give at-risk youth a safe and clean place to play. 

Reedbird Park will give underserved kids the opportunity to go somewhere productive and learn life lessons about respect, communication, and teamwork through sports from positive adult mentors, as well as have fun in a healthy environment. The Ripken Foundation fields are truly transformational for kids and communities who need them the most. If you would like to make a donation to support the 100th Park campaign, please DONATE NOW.