For many years, Baltimore Ravens players, wives, and ministry partners have visited Helping Up Mission during the Thanksgiving/Christmas season to bring encouragement, support, and critically needed food, clothing and toiletries.  Of course, these visits raise the excitement level for the entire Mission - given the level of support for Ravens Football.  More importantly though, the visits have positive impact on each person in attendence - the clients receive positive affirmation of their personal value by people they admire and respect.

In November 2009, two wonderful events took place for the 400+ men who reside at the Mission:

Ravens Coat Give-Away - November 10

For the third year, Ravens players, Ravens wives, leaders from Diakon Kathryn's Closet, and the Dunbar High School Football team made and served a picnic-style lunch that was sponsored by Regional Management, Inc.  During the event, several Ravens players including Quarterback Joe Flacco and Running Back Ray Rice spoke to the men and gave out Ravens items - including signed footballs to those answering Ravens trivia questions.  More importantly, in partnership with the Ravens Wives group and Diakon Kathryn's Closet, winter coats and care packages containing toiletries and hygeine products.  Other Ravens visiting HUM that day were: Willis McGahee, Mark Clayton, K.J. Gerard, Joe Reitz, William VanDeSteeg, and Matt Lawrence.  Photos of this event courtesy of Glenwood Jackson Photography.

Thanksgiving Dinner - November 24

As a Baltimore Raven, Bart Scott began sponsoring a Thanksgiving-style banquet for the Mission in 2006, serving 300+ meals for three consecutive years.  Each year, Bart would include a number other Ravens players in the event, and the men of HUM appreciated the visit, and the encouragement the players provided.  Even though Bart left Baltimore as a football player, he is still deeply connected in the community.  And this year, Bart re-committed his support for Helping Up Mission in sponsoring a thanksgiving dinner for the fourth time.  In Bart's absence, Running Back Ray Rice returned - this time to represent Bart and lead a group of Ravens players to serve the men and offer support.  Other Ravens visiting that day were Edgar Jones, Kelly Washington, Antwan Barnes, and Justin Harper. 

Click Here to see a video of the Ravens Community Service throughout Baltimore - including Helping Up Mission - on November 24th.

Visit our Photo Gallery to see more photos of these events.

     Baltimore Ravens at Helping Up Mission

                           Ravens Players at Helping Up Mission

Ravens Wives Gave Care Packages Donated from Diakon Kathryn's Closet

                     Joe Flacco Addresses the Men

                                  Ray Rice Gives Words of Wisdom

                        Ravens Players Giving Coats to the Men

                          Serving Thanksgiving Dinner for the men

                         Food and Encouragement For Everyone!!!