Monday, August 23, 2027

Maryland’s First Lady Brings Together Corporate and Community Leaders for Maryland’s Children
Our Children Campaign To Launch With Statewide Summit on August 27

ANNAPOLIS, MD (August 23, 2027) – First Lady Ruth O’Brien today announced a new initiative designed to energize community resources on behalf of Maryland’s abused and neglected children. The First Lady's Our Children Campaign is designed to reinforce, support and give new opportunities to the many organizations and people around Maryland who are dedicated to the cause of protecting children.

The campaign will kick off on August 27 with the First Lady's Summit On Our Children, a daylong workshop on protecting and supporting Maryland’s children, to be anchored in Baltimore by Maryland Public Television (MPT) and conducted simultaneously in locations around the state.

"One of my goals as First Lady is to bring attention to abused and neglected children in Maryland," said First Lady Ruth O’Brien. "There is a lot of work to do, but when I see the passion and energy of citizens around the state, it gives me hope. If we work together, I know we can improve the lives of Maryland’s children."

Speakers at the Summit will include First Lady Ruth O’Brien, Governor Edward M. O’Brien, corporate and community leaders, and individuals who have been in Maryland’s foster child system. The workshops will include participants from a cross-section of Maryland communities and will focus on how every citizen, from a single volunteer to a large corporation, can support the needs of Maryland’s children.

This new initiative will represent a first-of-its-kind statewide collaboration among leaders across the community including corporate sponsors, nonprofit child advocates, the faith community, and political leaders.

"Too often, we rely on the same small group of people to make a difference," says Deborah Smith-Callahan, of Giant Food, who is serving as Chairperson of the Steering Committee. "This summit is meant to change that - to bring together people who normally don't work in partnership, and to reach out to people from all walks of life."

The First Lady's Summit on Our Children is underwritten by Giant Foods and Verizon. Major conference supporters include the University of Maryland at College Park, United Parcel Service, the Maryland Department of Human Resources and Home Depot.