Baltimore Homecoming welcomes alumni of its program back to Charm City for its annual signature event to hear from community and business leaders on the latest developments on investment, innovation, and community impact.
Baltimore Homecoming is an organization connecting accomplished former residents of Baltimore (though still Baltimoreans at heart) from around the world to collaborate and invest in Baltimore and its communities. On Thursday and Friday, they will return to the city to hear about the newest nonprofits, startups, and development projects driving Baltimore’s continuing investment and growth.
Since the nonprofit organization’s founding in 2017, it has facilitated the networking of more than 500 alumni and driven nearly $50 million of new investment into nonprofits, startups, and development projects. They hope to build on that momentum this year with a focus on arts and culture, business growth, technology, neighborhood revitalization, and philanthropy.
“Baltimore Homecoming is about harnessing the power of Baltimoreans everywhere to invest in the city’s future,” said Mandy Snyder, executive director of Baltimore Homecoming, in a statement. “This year’s Signature Event showcases the very best of our city’s talent, innovation, and resilience. From celebrating leaders through the Homecoming Hero Awards to fueling the next generation of entrepreneurs in the Crab Tank competition, we’re creating opportunities for alumni to connect in meaningful ways and drive lasting impact for Baltimore’s communities.”
This year’s two-day signature event will focus on ways for alumni to help broaden the impact of Baltimore’s organizations. Programming reflects Baltimore Homecoming’s mission of sparking partnerships and collaborations that build a brighter future for the city.
Thursday’s kick-off event includes a welcome happy hour at Camden Yards featuring remarks by Mayor Brandon M. Scott, followed by an epic match-up between the Baltimore Orioles and New York Yankees. Other Thursday highlights include alumni storytelling with Eric Becker, founder and chairman at Cresset, and Jon Cordish, chairman of the Cordish Private Equity Partners Advisory Board; a discussion with former Baltimore Raven Brandon Copeland; a preview of the highly anticipated hometown movie, “The Baltimorons”; and a performance by Baltimore Homecoming co-chair and American Idol standout Gabby Samone.
On Friday, attendees can choose from programming at 4MLK that focuses on nonprofits, community organizations, economic development, and entrepreneurship. Highlights include a fireside chat with David Rubenstein, owner of the Baltimore Orioles; the Crab Tank Pitch Competition between start up founders for a $25,000 grand prize; an interactive conversation on arts, tech, and entrepreneurship; a discussion on Carmelo Anthony’s impact on Baltimore, coinciding with his new House of Melo exhibit opening at Enoch Pratt Free Library in October, featuring Khalilah Beavers and D. Watkins, and the Homecoming Hero Awards recognizing five local leaders for their contributions to the city’s well-being and growth.
For more information about Baltimore Homecoming, visit their website.
