BALTIMORE (WMAR) — Orioles first baseman Chris Davis and his wife Jill Davis have made a multi-million dollar donation to help fund an expansion of the University of Maryland Children’s Hospital.
The $3 million philanthropic donation is is the largest ever given by a Baltimore sports figure to UMMC.
Specifically, the funds will go toward the construction of a state-of-the-art pediatric hybrid catheterization and operating room.
“This is a cause that is close to our hearts,” said Davis, “Everyone at the hospital has inspired our family – from the patients and families who show such courage in the face of overwhelming challenges, to the medical professionals and caregivers who dedicate their careers to saving and improving lives.”
The name of the space will be the Evelyn Kay Davis Congenital Hybrid Catheterization Suite, chosen by the Davis', after their daughter, Evie, who was born with a ventricular septal defect in January 2018.
“We are committed to showing our daughters that with great privilege comes great responsibility. As their father, I pray that my girls will embrace opportunities to serve others and love as they are loved. I want to encourage and empower them in hope of watching them grow into caring, compassionate, generous leaders who are inspired to help those in need," said Davis.
Chris and Jill Davis got involved with the University of Maryland Children’s Hospital’s mission in December 2016, and now serve as ambassadors helping to raise awareness for childhood illnesses.
For the last three summers, the couple has hosted “Crush’s Homers for Hearts,” a charity home run derby event at Oriole Park at Camden Yards that benefits the UMCH Children’s Heart Program.
To date, the events have raised more than $250,000.
