Catholic Review Dragon Races draw crowd, raise funds for those in need in Baltimore

Many a heavy sigh I have in my despair,

Grieving that I was born in such an unlucky time.

I yoked a team of jade dragons to a phoenix chariot,

And waited for the wind to come,

to soar up on my journey.

— Qu Yuan, Chinese poet whose exile and passing inspired the Dragon Boat tradition

Team Catholic Charities makes a push towards the finish line during the Catholic Charities of Baltimore Dragon Boat Races September 9, 2023, at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. (Kevin J. Parks/CR Staff)

The Dragon Boats Races and Festival had their own rebirth of sorts.

After being shut down because of the pandemic, the biennial event sponsored and hosted by Catholic Charities of Baltimore, was back in business for the first time since 2018.

The entire race is based around traditional Chinese lore. Qu Yuan, a poet, minister and counselor to the powerful Emperor Chu of China, emerged as a hero of the people when local fishermen raced to his aid in large dragon boats.

The beating of drums and rhythmic rowing established a sense of community that acted as a phoenix by making good use of difficult circumstances and marking the beginning of new journeys as a community – then and now.

The Dragon Boat Races, which featured 22 decorated boats on Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, provided opportunities for local companies, nonprofits and schools to come together and learn about Catholic Charities’ 80 programs and their impact across the state. A throng of people watched and cheered on the competitors.

Bill McCarthy, executive director of Catholic Charities, expected this year’s 12th incarnation of the event to raise about $450,000 for those in need. The event helped galvanize the community.

“It’s awesome to be back,” McCarthy said. “It reminds you of what a joy it is for everybody. People coming back from the pandemic, a lot of work is hybrid or remote. But, people are coming back downtown to practice. The 22 core team members and their supporters that came down really were revitalizing because you saw them practicing and talking to their friends.”

Spectators line the promenade to watch the Catholic Charities of Baltimore Dragon Boat Races September 9, 2023, at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. (Courtesy Marta Karpovich)

M&T Bank was the presenting sponsor for the event, finishing first overall in the A Division and supporting My Sister’s Place Women’s Center as its partner program.

“M&T Bank is thrilled to be this year’s presenting sponsor for the Dragon Boat Races. As a community-focused bank, we’re proud to uphold our partnership with Catholic Charities to help continue making Baltimore a great place to live, work and play,” said Augie Chiasera, the bank’s regional president for Greater Baltimore. “Supporting the Dragon Boat Races not only reinforces our commitment to the city, but it’s an exciting day for the community and our team looks forward to participating.”

The dragon on the boats represents strength and self-sacrifice, which is emblematic of Catholic Charities and its role in the Baltimore community. Catholic Charities strengthens the people of Baltimore and beyond through their outreach and service.

The races and festival, which featured local food trucks, crafts, music and fine arts performances, was a boon to the city.

“We wanted this race to be a part of Catholic Charities’ centennial year,” said Natalia M. Ramirez, Catholic Charities’ director of stewardship and events. “We were intentional about making this year a bigger and bolder community celebration in Baltimore City where Catholic Charities began serving those in need 100 years ago.”

The 13 teams in this year’s race were a mix of construction firms, financial institutions, not-for-profits, schools, archdiocesan employees and the Mayor’s Office.

Teams Whiting Turner, left, and PNC Bank meet in a minor collision on the water during the Catholic Charities of Baltimore Dragon Boat Races September 9, 2023, at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. (Kevin J. Parks/CR Staff)

The teams, each made up of 20 paddlers, a drummer and a steerer, raced in 41-foot canoes, carved and brightly painted, replicating Chinese dragon boats. The 1,290-foot course ran from the World Trade Center, on the north side of the Inner Harbor, to the Maryland Science Center on the south shore.

Catholic Relief Services finished first in the B Division,

Harkins Builders, Inc. has participated in each of the races since it was founded in 1998.

“It’s so important to the city,” McCarthy said. “Look at all the people here. They really do come out. It’s thousands of people who come downtown to enjoy Baltimore. It’s really a family event and it’s unique.”

In addition, Catholic Charities of Baltimore is celebrating 100 years of helping communities around the region. Established in 1923, inspiration came from the direction of Baltimore Bishop John Carroll, who in 1792 designated that one-third of parish revenue would be provided for relief of the poor.

The Dragon Boat races are just one part of its outreach.

“Events help bring the community together and help everybody see the resources in our area. I have not seen this many people at the Inner Harbor in a long time,” said one festival-goer who declined to give her name.

— Marta Karpovich contributed to this report.