Baltimore Ravens’ wide receiver, LaQuan Williams did not see much playing time in 2011, but that didn’t stop him from hosting his first charity basketball game in Baltimore on Saturday. Williams’, who was born and bred in Baltimore, was signed as an undrafted free agent last season and he will complete to be the No. 3 receiver this season.
Williams hosted a launch party Friday night at Jimmy’s Famous Seafood in Dundalk, Maryland. Funds went to his charity, The LaQuan Williams Foundation (LWF). LWF provides structural programming for adolescents and youth in Baltimore.
The launch party was an informal gathering of Williams’ friends and fans. Ravens teammate Torrey Smith was in attendance as well as fellow UMD graduate and former Sacramento Kings forward, Walt Williams.
Attendees had the chance to bid on signed jerseys and photographs of Ravens including Williams, Ray Lewis and Joe Flacco. Fans had the opportunity to meet the players and interact with them in an intimate setting.
The fundraising continued at the charity basketball game played at Stevenson University in Owings Mills, Maryland. All proceeds from the game, concessions and silent auction went to LWF. The game featured professional athletes and entertainers.
Some of the professional football VIP guests included Ravens’ Torrey Smith, Lardarius Webb and Tyrod Taylor, Houston Texan Bryant Johnson and Philadelphia Eagle Jaiquwan Jerrett.
Some of the professional basketball VIP guests included Baltimore bred, Memphis Grizzlies Josh Selby, Sacramento Kings Donte Greene and Patterson High School superstar player Aquille Carr (AKA “Crime Stopper”).
LaQuan Williams
I was fortunate to attend both events and I met Williams’ and Smith. I thanked Williams’ for hosting his charity events and giving back to the community. I also asked him if he had any plans for the final weeks before training camp. He replied with a “no”, said that “Monday is back to work”, now it’s time to get back to business and get ready for the upcoming season.
The basketball game was fun, it was cool seeing Williams shoot hoops with his friends and I could tell that everyone had fun playing the game.
It was awesome seeing Williams give back to his hometown. Good luck this season and congrats on your fundraising success.
