Ray Lewis, Bart Scott and Daniel Wilcox were honored at Elijah Cummings Youth Program in Israel (ECYP) fundraiser Thursday, March 27. The event, held at the Sports Legends Museum at Camden Yards, was entitled "Legends Among Us" and celebrated leaders in community service. The ECYP is a joint partnership between Congressman Elijah Cummings and the Baltimore Jewish Council. The two-year leadership program is for Baltimore-area high school students, and focuses on diversity, leadership, public speaking, conflict management, and community service. Each student takes a four-week trip to Israel during the summer after their first year in the program. Funds from the annual fundraiser annually benefit this progressive initiative.
Celebrating 10 years of service, the ECYP event highlighted key individuals and sports figures who have made a difference to the ECYP and the community, including the aforementioned players, as well as Stewart Greenebaum, Theo Rodgers and Wes and Constance Unseld.**
"My heart says thank you," said Kristin Hooper, ECYP Class of 2008, reflecting on her Israel experience from last year. "This program was sent my way for a reason. This trip made me understand life. I value my life so much more. I didn't think I could make it with all the things that surround me every day; but I now know… I can!"
Through various programming, the ECYP reaches approximately 200 youth annually. Funds raised at this event will help promote interethnic tolerance, reinforce values and encourage youth leadership.
For more information, visit www.ecyp.org or call Keita Wells, Director of the Elijah Cummings Youth Program in Israel, at 410-542-4850.
