Nonprofit Worker Gives Stuffed Animals To Sick Kids: Edgewater Local Hero

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD — When times are tough, heroes emerge. We all know someone who's making a difference right now as we live through unprecedented and changing times.

Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these heroes making a difference in their communities. We’re working to let all your neighbors know about these outstanding people and their stories.

This submission comes from Amy Rosewater who nominated Jennifer Skolochenko-Platt of Anne Arundel.

Local hero’s full name

Jennifer Skolochenko-Platt

How do you know the local hero?

work colleague

What does the local hero do?

Non-profit executive director

Why do you believe the local hero should be recognized or honored?

For more than a decade, Jennifer Skolochenko-Platt has served as executive director of UMPS CARE Charities, the official philanthropy of the Major League Baseball Umpires. UMPS CARE is based here in Maryland and is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization. Jenn coordinates hospital visits for the umpires, including an annual stop at Johns Hopkins Children's Center, where the umpires deliver 100 Build-A-Bears, outfits, baseball-themed activity books and more to sick children. Since the program's inception in 2006, the umpires have distributed more than 19,500 Build-A-Bears. In addition, UMPS CARE provides VIP visits to the ballpark (including Oriole Park at Camden Yards) for children battling critical illnesses and their families, military veterans who are training to become umpires and teens in under-resourced communities. Jenn works tirelessly to make sure these programs are run smoothly. The umpires are often noticed when there is a controversial call on the field, but Jenn helps them be seen when they are doing good work in the community. Jenn is a native of Maryland, and went to Towson and now lives in Edgewater with her husband and their four children.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the local hero?

Jenn is a successful leader and has truly made a difference in so many lives. Parents of children who have seen our programs in the hospitals have shared stories with us about their child smiling for the first time after weeks or even months of undergoing hospital treatment after receiving their Build-A-Bear. We are one of the few organizations that were even allowed to host events during the pandemic because of Jenn and her strong leadership of the organization. Prior to working for UMPS CARE, Jenn worked for the Washington Nationals and Miami Marlins and has established herself as one of the top women in baseball leadership.

Thank you for all you do, Jennifer Skolochenko-Platt!

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Know someone making a difference in town?

Nominate them here.