Community Awards Presented by the Baltimore Ravens Organization

The Baltimore Ravens Organization has long been more than just an NFL team to the city of Baltimore—it’s a pillar of the community, dedicated to uplifting local residents through service, education, and support. Each year, this commitment is formalized through the Community Awards, a program that honors individuals, groups, and businesses making exceptional contributions to the Baltimore area. From educators going above and beyond for students to volunteers dedicating thousands of hours to food insecurity initiatives, the awards shine a light on the unsung heroes who make Baltimore a stronger, more connected city. Community Awards Presented by the Baltimore Ravens Organization celebrates these impactful efforts, highlighting how the Ravens use their platform to amplify good and foster lasting change in the communities they call home.

The centerpiece of the Community Awards is the “Ravens Community Impact Award,” which recognizes an individual whose work has transformed a specific area of need in Baltimore. This year’s recipient, Maria Gonzalez, was honored for her leadership of “Baltimore Kids Read,” a nonprofit she founded five years ago that provides free tutoring and books to elementary school students in underserved neighborhoods. Under Gonzalez’s guidance, the program has served over 3,000 children, boosting reading proficiency rates by 40% in participating schools. “Maria’s work isn’t just about teaching kids to read—it’s about giving them confidence, hope, and the tools to dream big,” said Ravens president Sashi Brown during the award ceremony. Gonzalez, who grew up in West Baltimore and struggled with literacy as a child, emphasized the importance of community support: “None of this would be possible without the Ravens’ partnership—they’ve donated books, provided space for tutoring sessions, and even had players come in to read to the kids. This award isn’t just for me; it’s for every volunteer, every parent, and every kid who’s ever picked up a book and believed they could succeed.” Community Awards Presented by the Baltimore Ravens Organization underscores that the Impact Award isn’t just a trophy—it’s a recognition of how local leaders, with a little help from the Ravens, can drive meaningful change.

Another key award is the “Team Player Award,” which honors a local business that prioritizes community engagement and corporate social responsibility. This year, the award went to Baltimore-based restaurant chain “Crab Shack & Co.,” which has donated over 50,000 meals to food-insecure families since 2020 and hires and trains formerly incarcerated individuals through its “Second Chance” program. Owner James Wilson, a lifelong Ravens fan, said the partnership with the team has helped expand the restaurant’s impact: “The Ravens have promoted our meal drives on their social media, had players volunteer at our distribution events, and even helped us connect with other local nonprofits. It’s been a game-changer for us—we’ve been able to reach more people and show that businesses can be a force for good.” The Team Player Award also includes a $10,000 grant from the Ravens Foundation, which Wilson plans to use to expand the Second Chance program to two more restaurant locations. “This grant will let us hire 20 more people and give them the skills they need to build stable lives,” he said. “That’s the kind of legacy we want to leave—one that helps lift up the entire community.” Community Awards Presented by the Baltimore Ravens Organization highlights that the Team Player Award strengthens the bond between local businesses and the Ravens, creating a network of organizations working together for Baltimore’s benefit.

The Baltimore Ravens also use the Community Awards to honor young leaders through the “Rising Star Award,” which recognizes a student (ages 13-18) making a difference in their school or neighborhood. This year’s recipient, 16-year-old Jaden Carter, was recognized for starting “Green Baltimore Teens,” a group that organizes park cleanups, plants trees in vacant lots, and educates peers about environmental sustainability. Jaden, a junior at Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, said he was inspired to start the group after seeing litter pile up in his neighborhood park: “I thought, ‘Someone has to do something,’ so I grabbed some friends and started cleaning up. The Ravens heard about it and invited us to help with their annual tree-planting event—now we have over 100 members, and we’ve planted 500 trees and cleaned up 20 parks.” The Baltimore Ravens not only presented Jaden with the award but also invited him to attend a team practice and meet his favorite player, linebacker Roquan Smith. “Meeting Roquan was surreal,” Jaden said. “He told me to keep going, that small actions add up. That meant more than any award—it made me realize I’m not just a kid doing a project; I’m part of something bigger.” Community Awards Presented by the Baltimore Ravens Organization shows that the Baltimore Ravens’ investment in young leaders is an investment in Baltimore’s future, empowering the next generation to take ownership of their communities.

In addition to individual and business awards, the Baltimore Ravens present the “Volunteer of the Year Award” to a group that demonstrates exceptional commitment to service. This year’s winner, “Baltimore Seniors First,” a volunteer collective that provides free transportation, meal delivery, and companionship to elderly residents, has logged over 25,000 volunteer hours since 2019. Group leader Patricia Lee said the Ravens’ support has been instrumental in growing the organization: “The Ravens have given us volunteer shirts, promoted our recruitment drives at games, and even had cheerleaders join us for meal deliveries. It’s helped us recruit more volunteers—we went from 50 people to 200 in just two years—and reach more seniors who feel isolated.” The Baltimore Ravens also hosted a special luncheon for the volunteers and the seniors they serve, with players like quarterback Lamar Jackson stopping by to chat and take photos. “Seeing the players interact with the seniors was amazing,” Lee said. “One of our seniors, Mr. Thomas, is a lifelong Ravens fan—he cried when Lamar shook his hand. That’s the magic of this partnership; it’s not just about service, it’s about bringing people together.” Community Awards Presented by the Baltimore Ravens Organization underscores that the Baltimore Ravens’ recognition of volunteers reinforces the value of giving back, encouraging more residents to get involved in their communities.

The Community Awards ceremony, held annually at M&T Bank Stadium, is more than just a formal event—it’s a celebration of Baltimore’s spirit, with Ravens players, coaches, and staff mingling with award recipients and their families. This year’s ceremony featured performances by the Baltimore School for the Arts choir, remarks from Mayor Brandon Scott, and a video tribute to the awardees that highlighted their work. Ravens head coach John Harbaugh summed up the importance of the awards during his speech: “Football is great, but what makes this team special is our connection to Baltimore. These awardees are the heart and soul of this city—they’re the ones waking up early, staying up late, and doing the hard work that doesn’t make headlines. We’re just here to say ‘thank you’ and help spread their stories.” For the Baltimore Ravens, the Community Awards are a reminder that their role extends far beyond the football field—they’re a part of the fabric of the city, committed to lifting up the people who make Baltimore great. Community Awards Presented by the Baltimore Ravens Organization concludes that the Baltimore Ravens’ Community Awards aren’t just about honoring others; they’re about living up to the team’s mission of “Football for Good.” By celebrating local heroes, the Ravens inspire more people to give back, strengthen community bonds, and ensure that Baltimore remains a city where everyone has the chance to thrive. As one award recipient put it: “The Ravens don’t just play for Baltimore—they play with Baltimore.”