Ravens in the Community: Week 12

Just because Tuesday is the Ravens' day off doesn't mean the team isn't busy. Many of the players were out in the community in and around Baltimore. Here is a look at what is going on with Ravens community relations:

Daniel Wilcox Paintball Adventure

Ravens tight end Daniel Wilcox hosted an afternoon of paintball for Thurgood Marshall High School students Tuesday as part of the Homeroom Huddle program. Along with Baltimore retailer Downtown Locker Room, Wilcox continued the 2007 season of the Homeroom Huddle program with this outing, the third prize in a series of 4. The Homeroom Huddle program rewards students via a point system, based on attendance, homework completion and behavior. Homerooms have vied for a chance to win such prizes as tickets to a Ravens game, go-kart and roller skating trips. Wilcox was joined by teammates Mark Clayton and Steve McNair, although McNair could not play because of a shoulder injury.

Winborne at Living Classrooms

Safety Jamaine Winborne spent time at Living Classrooms in downtown Baltimore. The educational campus provides hands-on education and job training, focusing on at-risk youth and groups from diverse backgrounds. Winborne bought $700 worth of hand-made products from the youth in the Fresh Start program, which uses carpentry as a medium to teach reading, writing, math, history, and science. Students work in the Foundation's Maritime Institute workshop and the Douglass-Myers Maritime Park boatbuilding workshop, building toolboxes, furniture, and boats. They also receive classroom instruction and one-on-one tutoring.

Community Quarterback

The Baltimore Ravens named five outstanding community volunteers as 2007 Community Quarterback Award recipients this week. Funded by NFL Charities and the Ravens All Community Team Foundation (RACTF), the Baltimore Ravens Community Quarterback Award recognizes community volunteers – youth and adults – who demonstrate leadership, dedication, and a commitment to bettering their communities. NFL Charities and the RACTF donate grants to the nonprofit organizations, on behalf of the award winners.

The outstanding volunteers were saluted at the Ravens vs. Browns game at M&T Bank Stadium on Nov. 18. Honorees were awarded two game tickets, a Ravens' gift bag, complete with apparel and an autographed Steve McNair football, and a commemorative plaque. Each winner also received a $2,500 check for their respective nonprofit organization and was recognized in a pre-game ceremony.

This year's honorees are listed below.

Anastatia Phillips Benton, Rho Xi Omega Charities, Inc.
Elroy Christopher, Covenant Community Association
Emily Meadows, Agape Ministry
Caitlin Nicholas, Susan G. Komen for the Cure
Mallory Richards, Baltimore Youth Hockey

NFL Charities, created in 1973, is a nonprofit organization that allows NFL clubs and players to collectively make grants to charitable and worthwhile causes on the national level.