Ravens Announce Donation to Baltimore City Public Schools
The Baltimore Ravens and their players are contributing nearly $200,000 to Baltimore City Public Schools towards the cost of upgrading heating and air conditioning (HVAC) units at Lakewood Elementary School. The units are expected to be operable in January 2019.
As part of their Social Justice Program, the Ravens have pledged to match player donations in efforts to support social justice initiatives and engagement in the Baltimore community.
This is the first funding distributed from the players' pledge through their social justice fund and continues the Ravens' commitment to making a difference throughout Baltimore.
In the spring of 2018, the National Football League announced that each team would match player contributions up to $250,000 annually for the purposes of establishing a fund to support community improvement, social justice and law enforcement relationships.
Ravens president Dick Cass, general counsel Brandon Etheridge, long snapper Morgan Cox, OLB Matthew Judon, DB/LB Anthony Levine, WR Chris Moore, LB C.J. Mosley and DT Brandon Williams joined congressman Elijah Cummings, Baltimore City mayor Catherine Pugh and CEO of Baltimore City Public Schools Dr. Sonja Brookins Santelises to announce the contribution.
Lakewood Elementary, located in eastern Baltimore, is an early education school servicing pre-K and kindergarten students. Lakewood's enrollment consists of 40% special needs, and 65% of the students qualify for free and reduced meals. The new HVAC system will help control the climate throughout the entire school.
Baltimore Ravens Long Snapper Morgan Cox
"As professional football players, we understand the importance of being leaders in a community that proudly supports us. The Ravens' Social Justice Program aims to take action in areas of need for the Baltimore community. At Lakewood Elementary, 40% of the student body has special needs, and 65% of the students qualify for a free lunch. There have been times where these children have had to go to school in the summer and winter months without reliable air conditioning or heating, and we see this as a great opportunity to provide them with the optimal learning environment that they deserve. This is the first of many projects in which we are excited to participate alongside our Organization and Mr. Steve Bisciotti."
Congressman Elijah Cummings
"I thank the Baltimore Ravens for their continued leadership in the Baltimore community and for their steadfast commitment to our young people. This type of public-private partnership shows that it takes a village to solve the complex problems facing our students and faculty. Providing our children with a safe and comfortable environment in which to learn should be a priority for us all, and I urge other companies to join the Ravens in their effort to help Baltimore City students succeed."
Baltimore Ravens General Counsel Brandon Etheridge
"We are honored to collaborate with Congressman Elijah Cummings, Baltimore City Public Schools and Lakewood Elementary School to improve heating for these students. Knowing that these children will, in just a few short weeks, be able to walk into safer, more comfortable classroom environments that are more conducive to learning is a humbling feeling. We are proud to play a part in this positive change for the children of our Baltimore community."
Baltimore City Public Schools CEO Dr. Sonja Brookins Santelises
"The Ravens have been an incredible partner for the district over the years, supporting numerous schools and students from pre-K to high school. This donation from the players and the Ravens organization comes at just the right time, as we continue work to make sure our schools are ready for the colder weather. Our Lakewood students will be off to a better start in their school careers, now that their pre-K and kindergarten classrooms will be healthy and comfortable."
