Signal 13 – Call to Action Newsletter – June 2024
Please Show your Support for Signal 13
The Signal 13 Foundation is a local nonprofit that relies on support from generous donors, companies, and foundations to provide impactful grants to Baltimore Police officers and civilians and college scholarships to their dependent children. Your support is critical to our continued success. Thank you.
Signal 13 Helps Those in Need
Officer Anthony Hackett knows the work of Signal 13 all too well. He reluctantly asked for support after suffering a heart attack in December while responding to a shooting call. He needed help paying his rent while he recovered. Grateful doesn’t begin to describe Officer Hackett’s reaction when CEO Nancy Hinds told him the grant was approved.
Signal 13’s Biggest Fundraiser of the Year is Saturday, October 5
Signal 13’s Family Day at the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore for Baltimore City Police and their families is back for a second year. Last year’s inaugural event was a huge success, thanks to our more than 80 sponsors who helped us raise more money than ever before. We want to do even better this year! Please consider becoming a sponsor of our Family Day at the Zoo on October 5 and give back to the brave men and women who protect us. Click here for more information
New Community Partner
2024 marks the beginning of a new partnership for the Signal 13 Foundation. For the first time in its 40-year history, Signal 13 is expanding its work to include community outreach. Project Pneuma works with Baltimore City boys in 4th through 8th grades and enlists Baltimore Police officers and trainees to mentor their kids. Although supporting Baltimore City Police in their times of need will always be our priority, the Board knows the importance of giving back and doing our part to help foster goodwill between our officers and the communities they serve.
A Heartfelt Tribute
The Baltimore Police Department is mourning the loss of one of its own who was killed in a tragic car accident on April 20th. Officer Anthony Gregory Ward worked in the SWAT unit and was off duty at the time of the accident. Officer Ward was 36 years old. Signal 13 offers its condolences to his wife Alicia and his family. Thank you to the many friends and family who made donations to the Signal 13 Foundation in Officer Ward’s honor. The money raised will support his brothers and sisters in service
Police Spouses Offer Support
Spouses are the bedrock of every police family. The men and women of the Baltimore Police Department often see unimaginable things no one should experience, and they cannot be successful day in and day out without an important partner offering support. Luana Ramberg and Kasima Bolt know what it is like being married to a police officer. Both of their husbands, Sergeant Kenneth Ramberg and Detective Brandon Bolt, were injured in the line of duty. They were at a loss of where to turn when it happened, but now Luana and Kasima want to give back to other police spouses. They’ve started a Facebook group page in conjunction with Signal 13 for others like them who want to share stories and advice about being married to the BPD.
Farewell to a Signal 13 Icon
Longtime Board Director Pam Lapides passed away last month after a long illness. Pam was the longest serving Board member and the first female Board President. She joined Signal 13 in 1985 and remained steadfast in her commitment to serving the men and women of the Baltimore Police Department. Thank you for your many years of service Pam. In a photo from our archives, Pam (left) is with Bishop Robinson, commissioner from 1984-87, and Clarisse Mechanic, a member of the Signal 13 Board at the time
Please Lend Us a Hand in 2024
We have a small favor to ask. Thousands of Baltimore Police families have trusted the Signal 13 Foundation to support them during difficult times and when they need assistance paying for college for their kids.
Like other nonprofits, Signal 13’s funding depends on generous donations from individuals, companies and foundations. We can’t do what we do for Baltimore City Police in times of need without your support. Requests for assistance are increasing and we rarely turn a grant or scholarship applicant down.
Signal 13 is celebrating 40 years of helping Baltimore City Police, and the Board’s goal is to do even more to make their lives a little easier during stressful times. We do this because we believe in supporting the brave men and women in the Baltimore Police Department who put their lives on the line everyday to protect us and the city we love.
About Signal 13
Formed in 1983 by Police Commissioner Frank J. Battaglia with help from prominent philanthropists and business owners, the Signal 13 Foundation is an independent, nonprofit 501(c)(3) committed to supporting the men and women of the Baltimore City Police Department with financial hardship grants and scholarships for their families. For more information, go to signal13foundation.org
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