Baltimore Ravens wide receiver LaQuan Williams gave a chance for fans to beat the heat on Saturday June 30, 2012 to watch him and a star studded cast of fellow Ravens players along with other professional athletes at his First Annual Celebrity Charity Basketball Event.
“There were guys here in the area that did this when I was younger helping to motivate kids keep pushing them to dream big.” Williams stated from a packed Stevenson University gymnasium as a reason he is so involved in the community.
Williams along with several Ravens teammates including Tyrod Taylor, Terrence Cody, Jameel McClain, Torrey Smith, LarDarius Webb, and Anthony Allen were on hand for the event to raise money for the LaQuan Williams Foundation. The LaQuan Williams Foundation was created to provide structured programming for adolescent and teenage youth in the Baltimore Metropolitan area. The programs include gang and drug prevention, academic achievement through tutoring and test prep, and promote teamwork and responsible sportsmanship through athletic competition and league play.
“He is like my brother, we have been playing together for a long time now in college and in the league and anytime him or my teammates do something I am there.” replied fellow wide receiver Torrey Smith when asked about his involvement in the day’s activities. “It is fun watching each other grow not just in the game of football but also in the game of life as well.”
Williams, who was born in Baltimore attended Baltimore Polytechnic Institute was named a second-team All-City player as a junior and a first-team All-City defensive back as a senior. LaQuan went on to play college football at the University of Maryland and was a standout player on special teams. The Ravens signed Williams as an undrafted free agent in 2011. Last season he hauled in four passes for 46 yards and played 
primarily on special teams.
The game featured many highlights including Torrey Smith and NBA star Josh Selby tremendous slam dunks and backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor’s breakaway speeds as well as Ravens nose tackle Terrence Cody’s attempted slam dunk lay-up. Smiles and laughter filled the gymnasium throughout the day and LaQuan’s team managed a 111-110 victory.
“Blessed” replied Williams when asked to describe himself in one word. “Because of all the opportunities I have been presented and to be where I am today I am truly blessed.” LaQuan may have a quiet role on the Ravens however he is 
doing huge things in the community changing people’s lives one person at a time.
For more information about the LaQuan Williams Foundation please visit http://lwf15.org/
