Sold To the Highest Bidder
Going once, going twice…sold! The Ravens hosted the ninth annual Ravens All Community Team (ACT) Auction Party on Monday with proceeds benefiting the ACT Foundation. The celebratory evening featured great food, music and, of course, an auction.
Many Ravens were on hand representing their own foundations including quarterback **John Beck**, center **Matt Birk**, wide receiver **Mark Clayton**, guard **Ben Grubbs**, tight end **Todd Heap**, long snapper **Matt Katula**, wide receiver **Derrick Mason**, tight end **L.J. Smith** and quarterback **Troy Smith**. Quarterback **Joe Flacco**, linebacker **Tavares Gooden** and nose tackle **Brandon McKinney*** *also stopped by to support the cause. The team helped facilitate a live auction which included a 2010 Draft Package, the Ultimate Ravens' Tailgate Experience and an opportunity to join the team for an away game.
Attendees dined on regional favorites from areas representing the players in attendance and bid on unique Raven-centric items. Players mingled with guests, took pictures and even showed off their moves on the dance floor. The evening was a great success and will help the Ravens in the continued effort to support our community.
He's No One-Hit Wonder
Wide receiver **Derrick Mason** made another stop on his karaoke tour Tuesday, bringing his musical stylings to the residents at Oak Crest Retirement Living. Quarterback **John Beck**, wide receiver **Justin Harper** and tight end **Edgar Jones*** *joined Mason in displaying their talents at lead vocals.
The discography in the "Derrick Mason collection" has now expanded to include several Michael Jackson tunes, the Temptations greatest-hits and even some Creed. The wide receiver got the party started with his rendition of Lionel Richie's "All Night Long." Beck thrilled the audience with his Elvis impersonation to "All Shook Up" including a few signature moves. Harper and Jones channeled Michael Jackson with a duet to "You Are Not Alone."
The offensive four-pack were not the only singers as several residents braved the mic. A repeat guest from last year's karaoke tour, Nancy Leggiadro, serenaded Mason with Dean Martin's "Return to Me." Songs by Marvin Gaye, Tina Turner and Frank Sinatra kept participants dancing and singing along.
Although they won't be appearing on American Idol any time soon, the Ravens players received the fan favorite vote from everyone in attendance.
Michael Speaks Out
Tackle **Michael Oher** took some time out Tuesday to join Mayor Sheila Dixon for her monthly speaker series. In an effort to recognize the work done by men in the community, Mayor Dixon themed the month of November "Just for Men, A Celebration of Thanksgiving" with Tuesday's focus featuring "Men in Sports."
Oher spoke about how he persevered in the face of adversity with the help of a strong support system. He also discussed his experiences playing football at Ole Miss and with the Baltimore Ravens. The first-round draft pick joked about his ability to beat his current teammates on the basketball court. The audience, including about 50 city employees and a class of Baltimore students from Commodore John Rogers School, got in on the action asking the Ravens tackle questions about his life and sports-related experience. The rookie handled each topic like an old pro gaining fans in the Mayor's office and everyone in attendance..
