Bridging the gap between community and Law Enforcement through sports and mentorship
BALTIMORE GROUND ZERO, FOUNDED BY BALTIMORE POLICE OFFICER GERARD PETTIFORD JR
The Heart of Baltimore Ground Zero: Connection Through Sports
Our mission is centered on empowering the youth of Baltimore by fostering meaningful, lasting connections with law enforcement officers. Through a unique blend of formal mentorship, academic support, and high-energy sports, we provide a safe harbor for personal growth and community bonding, ensuring every young person has the resources to lead and succeed.
EVENTS/FUNDRAISERS
COMMUNITY BASKETBALL GAME
Our well-known 4th Annual Community Basketball Game now renamed "BGZ Unity Games" where Police officers from multiple jurisdictions in Maryland play an organized game of Basketball against Baltimore's youth.Â
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Event includes:
*MVP AwardsÂ
*Gift Card GiveawaysÂ
*Free Sports Gear for youth participantsÂ
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**SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE NOW**
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DATE/TIME: NOVEMBER 22ND 2026
DOORS OPEN 12:30 PM
LOCATION: 4403 FREDERICK AVENUE BALTIMORE MD (MOUNT SAINT JOSEPH HIGH SCHOOL)
Neighborhood Clean Up
Collaborative Neighborhood Cleaning with youth volunteers lead by Baltimore Police Officers
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DATE/TIME: TBD
LOCATION: EDMONDSON VILLAGE
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FUNNEL CAKE FRIDAY!
!FUNDRAISER!
A COLLABORATIVE FUNDRAISER HOSTED BY BALTIMORE GROUND ZERO IN COLLABORATION WITH SWEET KINGZ MD. COME TO THE SOUTHWEST DISTRICT BALTIMORE POLICE STATION PURCHASE A FUNNEL CAKE! A PERCENTAGE OF PROCEEDS GO TO A FIELD TRIP FOR A GROUP OF
BALTIMORE'S YOUTH.
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DATE/TIME: FRIDAY, MAY 8th 2026 @3PM
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LOCATION: 424 FONT HILL AVENUE BALTIMORE MD 21223
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*COMMUNITY IMPACT*
METRIC Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Impact
Community Members Reached                                            1000+
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Youth Participants                                                          75+
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Annual Community Events                                                 10+
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Local Partnerships                                                          15+
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Families Supported                                                         150+
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Volunteer Hours                                                             800+
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Testimonies:
"Dear Community, I, Shanika Ross, a proud Baltimore resident and devoted single mother of two remarkable young men, extend my heartfelt appreciation to Officer Pettiford and the exceptional team at Baltimore Ground Zero program for their unrelenting support and mentorship that has profoundly empowered my family and me. My children were incredibly fortunate to be part of their outstanding basketball program, where my son's exceptional performance earned him the prestigious MVP award, a truly unforgettable experience that will forever be etched in their memories".
~Shanika Ross (BGZ Parent)
"We've attended several BGZ youth basketball tournaments and was inspired seeing the youth positively interact with officers and engage with the community. Baltimore Ground Zero is making a real difference, and we will continue to support their mission".
~ Tara House of Stylez Hair Salon
I’ve seen firsthand the impact Baltimore Ground Zero is making in our city. At a time when Baltimore needs more unity, mentorship, and hope, this program is creating real connections between police officers and youth that are changing lives and strengthening our communities.Seeing young people laugh, compete, and build trust with officers through positive engagement sends a powerful message about what Baltimore can become. Baltimore Ground Zero is not just a program it’s a movement bringing healing, opportunity, and inspiration to the next generation. I’m proud to support and partner with this important work. ~Donald "Mr Flip" Wedlock (Flip-a-Heart Foundation)
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM
@baltimoregroundzer0
Baltimore Ground Zero is dedicated to creating lasting connections between our city's youth and law enforcement. By providing mentorship, athletic programs, and academic support, we establish a foundation of mutual respect and empowerment for the next generation of leaders.
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*BGZ is solely ran by Baltimore Police Officer Gerard Pettiford Jr, BGZ Ambassadors, and its Board Members.