Children deserve a real childhood. That?s a key part of the drive behind the Ed Block Courage Award Foundation. In accordance that vision, Sam Lamantia, the founder, has been with the nonprofit every step of the way since 1978 to create a “sports-oriented event, utilizing the Baltimore Colts, to raise money for abused children in the Baltimore area.”
Today, that vision is growing in 32 other cities across the country.
“Awareness and prevention are the most important things,” Lamantia said.
The focus of the group centers on the Foundation?s Courage Houses and raising awareness about child abuse and its victims. In Baltimore, the Courage House is the facility in Timonium known as St. Vincent?s Center, where more than 50 abused children receive treatment because of funding that is raised from events such as an annual banquet, awards ceremony and a celebrity miniature golf tournament. At St. Vincent?s, children receive physical and mental care, as well as a place to call home. It is a unique community location that provides help and support for abused children and their families.
Run in conjunction with the foundation, these homes are located in 17 cities across the country, with an 18th set to open soon in Green Bay, Wis.
“We will create awareness so we can break the cycle,” Lamantia said.
Last week, the foundation ? named after well-known Colts trainer Ed Block ? held its 29th annual benefit dinner. The yearly event honorslocal celebrities in the world of athletics, recognizes one player from every team in the National Football League with a Courage Award and uses a benefit auction to help fund the organization and give back to its cause.
More than just recognition of a player?s leadership and character in the locker room and community, the award, bestowed upon more than 500 players, creates a link between the players, and the Foundation?s Courage House National Support Network for Kids.
“I get very emotional when I see these things,” said Chuck Harmon, the director of communications for The Ed Block Courage Award Foundation. “I went to put my arm around a kid today and he shrugged away. It shouldn?t be like that. It?s about giving back and I have been doing my best for the last 10 years.”
The Ed Block Courage Award Foundation
The York Building
8600 LaSalle Road, Suite 504, Towson; 410-821-6252
