BDC Funds Disney on Ice Trip for Red Shield Youth Center Students

Eleven students from the Salvation Army's Red Shield Youth Center attended a Disney on Ice performance at CFG Bank Arena on October 17. The Baltimore Development Corporation, or BDC, paid for the tickets to bring the group to the event.

The outing allowed the students to watch a live performance and interact with their peers. For many of the young people, attending major entertainment events is difficult due to financial constraints. The trip provided a chance to see a side of the city they might not otherwise experience.

Dr. William Boone, the area executive director of the Red Shield Youth Center, described the event as meaningful. He said the experience showed the students that they can achieve goals if they set their minds to it. "It was meaningful and enjoyable! This gave our students the opportunity to experience something new and shows what is possible," Boone said.

The support from BDC was personal for Otis Rolley III, the agency's president and CEO. Rolley attended preschool and kindergarten at a Salvation Army neighborhood center as a child. He recalled growing up in a rough neighborhood where the organization provided a safe environment for him to play and learn. "The Salvation Army provided a safe harbor for me as a child," Rolley said. "I grew up on a rough block in a rough neighborhood, and having the opportunity to play and learn in safety gave me the foundation to build upon."

Kevin Seawright, BDC's executive vice president and chief financial and operating officer, stated that economic development should create opportunities for all residents. He emphasized the need for young people to feel connected to their communities. "Economic development should create opportunity across Baltimore," Seawright said. "That includes building a city where young people feel connected to their communities and can see a place for themselves in the future."

The Red Shield Youth Center operates programs focused on education, recreation, and personal development. The BDC primarily works to attract investment and strengthen commercial districts in Baltimore. The two organizations collaborated to make the ice show accessible to the eleven students. The center continues to serve local families through its various support programs.