1 00:00:04,640 --> 00:00:07,480 Speaker 1: Welcome into the Lounge presented by DraftKings. I'm Ryan Mink 2 00:00:07,520 --> 00:00:09,560 Speaker 1: here with Garrett Dining, and we are thrilled to sit 3 00:00:09,640 --> 00:00:13,520 Speaker 1: down with Ravens Vice President of Communia Relations, Heather Darny, 4 00:00:13,880 --> 00:00:16,639 Speaker 1: who is one of the superstars behind the scenes here 5 00:00:17,120 --> 00:00:21,680 Speaker 1: at the Ravens and especially with the Ravens newest project, 6 00:00:21,800 --> 00:00:25,520 Speaker 1: huge project, the Baltimore Ravens Boys and Girls Club at 7 00:00:25,520 --> 00:00:29,920 Speaker 1: the Hilton Rec Center. And so Heather was really a 8 00:00:30,040 --> 00:00:33,040 Speaker 1: huge driver behind the scenes with all of that, did 9 00:00:33,159 --> 00:00:34,000 Speaker 1: so much work. 10 00:00:34,600 --> 00:00:36,920 Speaker 2: So congratulations, thank you, Thank you so much. 11 00:00:37,040 --> 00:00:38,320 Speaker 3: Definitely team effort. 12 00:00:38,960 --> 00:00:40,879 Speaker 4: You know, something we're excited to bring to life, but 13 00:00:41,479 --> 00:00:43,800 Speaker 4: it's been a long time coming. So excited that it's 14 00:00:43,800 --> 00:00:46,000 Speaker 4: finally here and that everybody get to see it now. 15 00:00:46,159 --> 00:00:47,000 Speaker 2: Yeah, that's awesome. 16 00:00:47,000 --> 00:00:49,120 Speaker 1: Well, can you can you take us through how this 17 00:00:49,200 --> 00:00:51,879 Speaker 1: came about kind of the origin story behind the project. 18 00:00:52,520 --> 00:00:55,320 Speaker 4: Absolutely, I mean, I think you know it's it's kind 19 00:00:55,320 --> 00:00:59,880 Speaker 4: of funny because Steve is so passionate about giving back, 20 00:01:00,080 --> 00:01:02,840 Speaker 4: especially here in Baltimore, and we are so blessed to 21 00:01:02,880 --> 00:01:06,560 Speaker 4: have an owner with that type of vision and care 22 00:01:06,680 --> 00:01:09,800 Speaker 4: so much about philanthropy, even though he likes to do 23 00:01:09,840 --> 00:01:12,440 Speaker 4: it behind the scenes, you know, it's important to get 24 00:01:12,480 --> 00:01:13,360 Speaker 4: out and do and. 25 00:01:13,440 --> 00:01:14,399 Speaker 3: He's so great with it. 26 00:01:14,440 --> 00:01:17,959 Speaker 4: But he had had this vision to try to find 27 00:01:18,120 --> 00:01:22,319 Speaker 4: an exciting space for kids to go after school and 28 00:01:22,440 --> 00:01:24,800 Speaker 4: something that, you know, if we had our branding and 29 00:01:25,040 --> 00:01:27,560 Speaker 4: our involvement, might make it a little more attractive for 30 00:01:27,680 --> 00:01:29,360 Speaker 4: kids to say, you know what, after school, I'm going 31 00:01:29,400 --> 00:01:31,120 Speaker 4: to go do this, and I'm going to go show 32 00:01:31,200 --> 00:01:33,679 Speaker 4: up here and I'm going to make sure I'm at 33 00:01:33,720 --> 00:01:36,959 Speaker 4: this club or you know, rec center or something instead 34 00:01:36,959 --> 00:01:38,000 Speaker 4: of all the other things. 35 00:01:37,800 --> 00:01:38,640 Speaker 3: I might be doing. 36 00:01:39,160 --> 00:01:41,959 Speaker 4: And I think that's that's important, and that was something 37 00:01:41,959 --> 00:01:46,000 Speaker 4: that really resonated with him, And as he mentioned this week, 38 00:01:46,080 --> 00:01:49,360 Speaker 4: you know, he had heard from so many of our players, 39 00:01:49,760 --> 00:01:52,440 Speaker 4: you know that boys and girls clubs and rec centers 40 00:01:52,440 --> 00:01:55,440 Speaker 4: and after school programs meant a lot to them and 41 00:01:55,560 --> 00:01:58,480 Speaker 4: really impacted their lives. So I think he had had 42 00:01:58,480 --> 00:02:01,000 Speaker 4: this s goal and vision. So Dick and I were 43 00:02:01,000 --> 00:02:03,400 Speaker 4: on a mission to figure out a space where this 44 00:02:03,560 --> 00:02:05,720 Speaker 4: could be a potential and a possibility. 45 00:02:06,320 --> 00:02:07,320 Speaker 3: And at the same. 46 00:02:07,120 --> 00:02:10,960 Speaker 4: Time, Tory Smith, one of our former players who we 47 00:02:11,000 --> 00:02:14,560 Speaker 4: love dearly, was also kind of looking into what his 48 00:02:14,639 --> 00:02:19,000 Speaker 4: next steps were post his NFL career. Also an incredibly 49 00:02:19,000 --> 00:02:22,480 Speaker 4: philanthropic guy who knew he wanted to give back and 50 00:02:22,480 --> 00:02:25,200 Speaker 4: give back in Baltimore. And so he's riding around looking 51 00:02:25,200 --> 00:02:28,720 Speaker 4: at places and he had come across the Hilton Rec Center, 52 00:02:29,360 --> 00:02:33,360 Speaker 4: which was this like five thousand square foot facility that 53 00:02:33,520 --> 00:02:37,800 Speaker 4: was owned by Wreckham Parks and behind Green Street Academy, 54 00:02:37,960 --> 00:02:39,440 Speaker 4: which is a middle school in high school. 55 00:02:39,840 --> 00:02:41,960 Speaker 3: And so he found the space. 56 00:02:42,440 --> 00:02:45,400 Speaker 4: It had been vacant for several years, needed a lot 57 00:02:45,400 --> 00:02:48,520 Speaker 4: of TLCA, but he saw some potential with it, and 58 00:02:48,760 --> 00:02:51,520 Speaker 4: he liked that the school was attached, He liked the 59 00:02:51,520 --> 00:02:55,600 Speaker 4: neighborhood association, the community members. He also liked that there 60 00:02:55,639 --> 00:02:59,840 Speaker 4: was some land and some space. And so we stepped 61 00:02:59,840 --> 00:03:02,320 Speaker 4: in and at the time to kind of help him 62 00:03:03,480 --> 00:03:06,200 Speaker 4: turn lights on really, you know, get some furniture in 63 00:03:06,240 --> 00:03:08,560 Speaker 4: the space, make sure it was cleaned up, and you know, 64 00:03:08,680 --> 00:03:10,680 Speaker 4: bathrooms were in a good spot to be able to 65 00:03:10,720 --> 00:03:13,600 Speaker 4: have kids in there. So that was like an initial 66 00:03:14,400 --> 00:03:16,520 Speaker 4: investment that we made, but also kind of our first 67 00:03:16,560 --> 00:03:19,120 Speaker 4: look at the space, and it was one of those 68 00:03:19,360 --> 00:03:21,680 Speaker 4: light bulb moments where we were like, you know, this 69 00:03:21,800 --> 00:03:24,440 Speaker 4: is kind of what we've been looking for, you know, 70 00:03:24,520 --> 00:03:26,959 Speaker 4: a space in the city that especially had so much 71 00:03:27,360 --> 00:03:30,560 Speaker 4: land and potential around it that allowed us to kind 72 00:03:30,560 --> 00:03:34,040 Speaker 4: of expand and potentially have a field, which you know 73 00:03:34,240 --> 00:03:37,720 Speaker 4: was also a big important factor to Steve. So you know, 74 00:03:37,800 --> 00:03:39,600 Speaker 4: just looking at all these different options, it was like, 75 00:03:39,640 --> 00:03:42,320 Speaker 4: you know, this could be the space and trying to 76 00:03:42,360 --> 00:03:45,640 Speaker 4: like marry that all together. And you know, Tory with 77 00:03:45,720 --> 00:03:49,080 Speaker 4: his level eighty two organization was doing a ton. 78 00:03:48,960 --> 00:03:49,600 Speaker 3: Of great work. 79 00:03:49,960 --> 00:03:53,880 Speaker 4: They started with some after school and summer programming. COVID 80 00:03:53,880 --> 00:03:55,480 Speaker 4: had been in the mix there. I mean, it was 81 00:03:55,560 --> 00:03:59,800 Speaker 4: obviously just like a trying time for everybody's programs, but 82 00:04:00,080 --> 00:04:02,440 Speaker 4: so we kind of got in and started realizing that, 83 00:04:02,720 --> 00:04:04,840 Speaker 4: you know, we could take over and do some stuff 84 00:04:04,880 --> 00:04:07,720 Speaker 4: in this space. We needed to bring an outside kind 85 00:04:07,720 --> 00:04:10,520 Speaker 4: of help, just because you know, Tory is doing so 86 00:04:10,680 --> 00:04:14,560 Speaker 4: much stuff and we certainly didn't want a big responsibility 87 00:04:14,680 --> 00:04:17,560 Speaker 4: like what we had envisioned to solely be placed on 88 00:04:17,600 --> 00:04:21,360 Speaker 4: his shoulders. He agreed and certainly involved as much as 89 00:04:21,360 --> 00:04:24,839 Speaker 4: he could. But that's where we started a visioning what 90 00:04:24,920 --> 00:04:28,640 Speaker 4: else the space could grow into. And I knew the 91 00:04:28,680 --> 00:04:31,760 Speaker 4: Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Baltimore really well. Their 92 00:04:31,839 --> 00:04:35,039 Speaker 4: CEO and president, Jeff Breslin, is a good colleague of 93 00:04:35,080 --> 00:04:38,600 Speaker 4: mine who I've known throughout the years. He was previously 94 00:04:38,600 --> 00:04:41,520 Speaker 4: at Under Armour and we worked on the UA House together, 95 00:04:42,240 --> 00:04:44,560 Speaker 4: so he was somebody that I knew could kind of 96 00:04:44,600 --> 00:04:46,880 Speaker 4: work with us on the vision, and I was excited 97 00:04:46,880 --> 00:04:49,920 Speaker 4: to take the you know, idea to him. Certainly, it's 98 00:04:49,960 --> 00:04:53,400 Speaker 4: an overwhelming one, you know, it's it's quite an opportunity, 99 00:04:53,400 --> 00:04:55,960 Speaker 4: but we knew a lot of work too, and he's 100 00:04:56,040 --> 00:04:58,040 Speaker 4: been great to jump at it. Him and his whole 101 00:04:58,040 --> 00:05:01,400 Speaker 4: team have been wonderful to work with, and we were 102 00:05:01,440 --> 00:05:04,279 Speaker 4: excited to finally, after all these years, kind of cut 103 00:05:04,279 --> 00:05:08,599 Speaker 4: the ribbon on Monday. We started discussions, you know, back 104 00:05:08,640 --> 00:05:12,320 Speaker 4: in twenty nineteen initially, and here we are. 105 00:05:12,440 --> 00:05:13,919 Speaker 3: But it's been exciting. 106 00:05:14,320 --> 00:05:17,640 Speaker 5: That's awesome. I mean, over the years, there's been so 107 00:05:17,680 --> 00:05:20,360 Speaker 5: many different projects that you and your team have led, 108 00:05:20,400 --> 00:05:23,719 Speaker 5: and whether that's getting the entire organization out to an 109 00:05:23,760 --> 00:05:26,560 Speaker 5: event we've done the at Green Street Academy right up 110 00:05:26,600 --> 00:05:29,479 Speaker 5: the hill from the new Baltimore Ravens Boys and Girls Club. 111 00:05:29,800 --> 00:05:33,440 Speaker 5: What is it about this project that felt like this 112 00:05:33,600 --> 00:05:36,080 Speaker 5: was something that we that was that rose to the 113 00:05:36,160 --> 00:05:38,840 Speaker 5: level of significance that we wanted to invest. 114 00:05:38,680 --> 00:05:40,680 Speaker 2: To the level that we did both the. 115 00:05:40,680 --> 00:05:43,720 Speaker 5: Ravens and the Bashadi Family Foundation. I feel like there's 116 00:05:43,760 --> 00:05:45,680 Speaker 5: all these different areas and all these different directions that 117 00:05:45,680 --> 00:05:47,839 Speaker 5: we could go, but this one was the direction that 118 00:05:47,880 --> 00:05:48,560 Speaker 5: we wanted to take. 119 00:05:49,240 --> 00:05:51,479 Speaker 4: Yeah, I mean, you know we I think it hit 120 00:05:51,560 --> 00:05:53,680 Speaker 4: a lot of our big pillars, you know, I mean. 121 00:05:54,000 --> 00:05:57,120 Speaker 3: Education, social justice, even. 122 00:05:57,000 --> 00:06:00,200 Speaker 4: Just responding to the Baltimore community, which I think is 123 00:06:00,200 --> 00:06:03,560 Speaker 4: something we really try to listen and we pride ourselves 124 00:06:03,640 --> 00:06:06,960 Speaker 4: in listening to what the needs are instead. 125 00:06:06,560 --> 00:06:07,360 Speaker 3: Of just showing up. 126 00:06:07,400 --> 00:06:09,320 Speaker 4: So I think it it hit a lot of those 127 00:06:09,320 --> 00:06:11,840 Speaker 4: things for us. I think the thing that was the 128 00:06:11,880 --> 00:06:16,279 Speaker 4: most exciting and enticing was that like this week was 129 00:06:16,360 --> 00:06:18,520 Speaker 4: just the beginning, you know. I think it's it's everything 130 00:06:18,560 --> 00:06:21,760 Speaker 4: to come now that we're excited about. And as part 131 00:06:21,800 --> 00:06:24,880 Speaker 4: of our research and throughout the process of planning this event, 132 00:06:25,440 --> 00:06:27,720 Speaker 4: the Boys and Girls Club, some members of their team 133 00:06:27,760 --> 00:06:30,479 Speaker 4: and I flew out to Denver to check out the 134 00:06:30,480 --> 00:06:33,760 Speaker 4: Denver Broncos Boys and Girls Club, which was an incredible 135 00:06:33,760 --> 00:06:37,520 Speaker 4: sight and one of the biggest takeaways was how close 136 00:06:38,279 --> 00:06:41,839 Speaker 4: the center director and their you know, community relations team 137 00:06:42,040 --> 00:06:45,039 Speaker 4: you know at the Broncos were that they were constantly 138 00:06:45,120 --> 00:06:49,000 Speaker 4: texting constantly and communication. The center director would be like, hey, 139 00:06:49,080 --> 00:06:51,479 Speaker 4: you know, by the way, so and so just showed 140 00:06:51,520 --> 00:06:53,560 Speaker 4: up here to play basketball with the kids, Like just 141 00:06:53,600 --> 00:06:56,400 Speaker 4: so you know, on your ends, you know, Broncos and 142 00:06:56,440 --> 00:06:58,359 Speaker 4: I think, you know, having the vision of what we 143 00:06:58,400 --> 00:07:01,440 Speaker 4: could have with that was extremely exciting. 144 00:07:01,560 --> 00:07:03,760 Speaker 3: You know something. We wanted there to be a. 145 00:07:03,760 --> 00:07:07,480 Speaker 4: Home base for us in Baltimore and specifically West Baltimore 146 00:07:07,560 --> 00:07:09,560 Speaker 4: right now, and you know where we could show up, 147 00:07:09,600 --> 00:07:12,160 Speaker 4: guys could show up and feel at home, know that, 148 00:07:12,280 --> 00:07:14,560 Speaker 4: you know, they would have a great time, they could 149 00:07:14,560 --> 00:07:18,480 Speaker 4: have ongoing connections, and we could have an ongoing impact 150 00:07:18,520 --> 00:07:20,679 Speaker 4: in presence. I think that was just a really big 151 00:07:21,360 --> 00:07:23,760 Speaker 4: exciting piece to this project for sure. 152 00:07:24,200 --> 00:07:28,080 Speaker 2: I mean the facility itself is insane. It's so nice. 153 00:07:28,080 --> 00:07:29,680 Speaker 1: I mean, if I could turn back the clock and 154 00:07:29,720 --> 00:07:32,240 Speaker 1: go back to after school care, I'm going right there. 155 00:07:32,920 --> 00:07:36,840 Speaker 2: It was incredible. What was like your favorite part of 156 00:07:36,880 --> 00:07:38,119 Speaker 2: the project, would you say? 157 00:07:38,440 --> 00:07:42,360 Speaker 4: I mean, you know, we we worked with incredible architect company. 158 00:07:43,040 --> 00:07:46,200 Speaker 4: You know, our construction company was great. Writing and Turner 159 00:07:46,240 --> 00:07:50,160 Speaker 4: stepped up big time. I think, you know, getting ways 160 00:07:50,200 --> 00:07:53,160 Speaker 4: that we could incorporate our branding. Of course, that's where 161 00:07:53,200 --> 00:07:55,640 Speaker 4: my head goes, you know, being there, but trying to 162 00:07:55,640 --> 00:07:58,080 Speaker 4: figure out ways where it became fun, you know, like 163 00:07:58,120 --> 00:08:01,600 Speaker 4: the Hall of Legends that's by the I loved the 164 00:08:01,680 --> 00:08:05,240 Speaker 4: idea of the students seeing themselves up on the walls. 165 00:08:05,320 --> 00:08:07,240 Speaker 1: Yeah, I like that, the huge banners in the gym, 166 00:08:07,280 --> 00:08:10,200 Speaker 1: and you're right, they didn't even have their own home field, 167 00:08:10,480 --> 00:08:13,880 Speaker 1: like exactly, like Green Street always had to travel for 168 00:08:14,000 --> 00:08:16,720 Speaker 1: all of their games, which is crazy, and like if 169 00:08:16,720 --> 00:08:19,080 Speaker 1: the students wanted to, we'll go watch the football team 170 00:08:19,120 --> 00:08:22,000 Speaker 1: play or the basketball team play. They would walk miles 171 00:08:22,080 --> 00:08:25,720 Speaker 1: to other schools, which inherent is not the safest thing 172 00:08:25,800 --> 00:08:29,320 Speaker 1: also and not equitable and all these things. So that 173 00:08:29,520 --> 00:08:31,720 Speaker 1: was I really like that too. Them being able to 174 00:08:31,720 --> 00:08:33,040 Speaker 1: see themselves. 175 00:08:32,800 --> 00:08:35,680 Speaker 4: It's important, and honestly, that was something as we got 176 00:08:35,679 --> 00:08:37,760 Speaker 4: into the project and we became really close with the 177 00:08:37,760 --> 00:08:42,000 Speaker 4: Green Street Academy staff and leadership there, and we learned that, 178 00:08:42,040 --> 00:08:44,800 Speaker 4: I mean we didn't know that immediately, but we learned 179 00:08:44,840 --> 00:08:48,040 Speaker 4: that this high school had a football team who couldn't 180 00:08:48,080 --> 00:08:50,880 Speaker 4: host home Friday night games. You know, like that was 181 00:08:51,200 --> 00:08:53,080 Speaker 4: how do we help with that? How do we help 182 00:08:53,120 --> 00:08:55,679 Speaker 4: they don't have a gym to have you know, physical 183 00:08:55,800 --> 00:08:59,080 Speaker 4: education classes regularly, how do we help with that, and 184 00:08:59,160 --> 00:09:01,600 Speaker 4: again knowing that this is a boys and girls club, 185 00:09:02,120 --> 00:09:04,080 Speaker 4: but you know, bringing boys and girls club to the 186 00:09:04,080 --> 00:09:06,520 Speaker 4: table with Green Street to say, hey, let's work together 187 00:09:06,640 --> 00:09:10,480 Speaker 4: to answer all of these you know, kind of predicaments 188 00:09:10,480 --> 00:09:12,960 Speaker 4: that we were working with in this community. So I 189 00:09:12,960 --> 00:09:15,320 Speaker 4: think that that was a really cool part too. And 190 00:09:15,400 --> 00:09:18,920 Speaker 4: I'm excited to see how the community responds on those 191 00:09:18,960 --> 00:09:20,000 Speaker 4: Friday nights and stuff. 192 00:09:20,120 --> 00:09:23,200 Speaker 1: What I thought was really cool from the unveiling ceremony 193 00:09:23,280 --> 00:09:26,240 Speaker 1: was also seeing every corner of the community come out 194 00:09:26,280 --> 00:09:28,520 Speaker 1: to support the project, like it was people. 195 00:09:28,200 --> 00:09:32,080 Speaker 2: From everywhere who of Baltimore was there. 196 00:09:32,679 --> 00:09:36,400 Speaker 1: And it's neat because you know, you get the momentum 197 00:09:36,400 --> 00:09:39,200 Speaker 1: and the Ravens get behind a project, and then it 198 00:09:39,280 --> 00:09:42,240 Speaker 1: seems that other people say, you know, they know our 199 00:09:42,280 --> 00:09:45,440 Speaker 1: reputation for good work in the community, and then they're like, 200 00:09:45,559 --> 00:09:47,240 Speaker 1: I want to become a part of this, and so 201 00:09:47,760 --> 00:09:49,840 Speaker 1: can you talk to just about how the Ravens can 202 00:09:49,880 --> 00:09:52,760 Speaker 1: be kind of an engine for change and bringing in 203 00:09:53,080 --> 00:09:55,480 Speaker 1: other planets into our solar system, you know. 204 00:09:56,040 --> 00:09:57,920 Speaker 4: I mean that's the hope, you know, that's the hope 205 00:09:57,960 --> 00:10:02,000 Speaker 4: of us with being an NFL team here in Baltimore. 206 00:10:02,520 --> 00:10:05,920 Speaker 4: There's a good responsibility on us to step up in 207 00:10:06,000 --> 00:10:08,960 Speaker 4: more ways than you know just on the field on Sundays, 208 00:10:08,960 --> 00:10:11,080 Speaker 4: which is still extremely important. 209 00:10:10,679 --> 00:10:12,720 Speaker 3: Don't get me wrong, number one priority. 210 00:10:13,400 --> 00:10:17,199 Speaker 4: But with that we it allows us to step up 211 00:10:17,240 --> 00:10:20,400 Speaker 4: and hopefully, you know, make the impact that I know 212 00:10:20,440 --> 00:10:22,559 Speaker 4: our players want to make, our executives here and want 213 00:10:22,559 --> 00:10:25,000 Speaker 4: to make our owner wants to make. And then that 214 00:10:25,040 --> 00:10:28,079 Speaker 4: can hopefully help drive some other partners of ours in 215 00:10:28,120 --> 00:10:30,200 Speaker 4: the space to show up and say, hey, if you 216 00:10:30,280 --> 00:10:32,400 Speaker 4: can do that, how can we join you in doing that. 217 00:10:33,160 --> 00:10:35,320 Speaker 4: I think it also speaks to just how great the 218 00:10:35,320 --> 00:10:38,000 Speaker 4: bottom our community is, where you know, there are so 219 00:10:38,080 --> 00:10:41,680 Speaker 4: many connections, there's so many you know, everybody's intertwined somewhere 220 00:10:41,720 --> 00:10:45,840 Speaker 4: or another knows everybody knows everybody. But they also then 221 00:10:45,880 --> 00:10:48,400 Speaker 4: come out and support each other, you know, in moments 222 00:10:48,440 --> 00:10:51,080 Speaker 4: like this, and so you know that like just supporting 223 00:10:51,080 --> 00:10:53,120 Speaker 4: the Green Street Academy kids and stuff is going to 224 00:10:53,120 --> 00:10:55,360 Speaker 4: be a huge part to this, And in the schools 225 00:10:55,360 --> 00:10:57,760 Speaker 4: in the surrounding area, you know that means a lot 226 00:10:58,720 --> 00:11:00,839 Speaker 4: and that will trickle down to them showing up for 227 00:11:01,240 --> 00:11:02,959 Speaker 4: projects happening in other communities. 228 00:11:03,000 --> 00:11:04,960 Speaker 3: And so I think that says a lot about it. 229 00:11:05,000 --> 00:11:08,079 Speaker 4: But it was great to see everybody there and and 230 00:11:08,120 --> 00:11:10,280 Speaker 4: it's also a village that makes. 231 00:11:10,000 --> 00:11:11,320 Speaker 3: These projects happen, you know. 232 00:11:11,400 --> 00:11:14,319 Speaker 4: I mean, we are a piece of that for sure, 233 00:11:14,400 --> 00:11:16,800 Speaker 4: but there's so many other There were other donors, there 234 00:11:16,800 --> 00:11:20,240 Speaker 4: were other partners that stepped up, and that's when these 235 00:11:20,280 --> 00:11:21,840 Speaker 4: projects become really successful. 236 00:11:22,160 --> 00:11:25,400 Speaker 5: To the point about the Ravens leading the charge a 237 00:11:25,440 --> 00:11:28,400 Speaker 5: certain way, a point that I was talking to Dick Casts, 238 00:11:28,480 --> 00:11:31,199 Speaker 5: our former team president, who I want to talk about 239 00:11:31,240 --> 00:11:33,719 Speaker 5: the moment with him in a little bit, but he 240 00:11:33,760 --> 00:11:35,640 Speaker 5: made the point that it was significant for us to 241 00:11:35,640 --> 00:11:38,520 Speaker 5: put our name on the building and it's the Baltimore 242 00:11:38,600 --> 00:11:41,160 Speaker 5: Ravens Boys and Girls Club, and that that comes with 243 00:11:41,280 --> 00:11:44,920 Speaker 5: weight and significance. Could you just talk about how important 244 00:11:44,920 --> 00:11:47,320 Speaker 5: it was to have our name on that building and 245 00:11:47,360 --> 00:11:49,280 Speaker 5: what that means for this space. 246 00:11:50,000 --> 00:11:53,600 Speaker 4: Absolutely, and honestly it was something that I got some 247 00:11:53,640 --> 00:11:56,679 Speaker 4: pushback on it first. You know, well, again, we don't 248 00:11:56,760 --> 00:11:58,720 Speaker 4: want to be, you know, out there with all of 249 00:11:58,760 --> 00:12:01,840 Speaker 4: these you know, name being rights and flashy stuff like 250 00:12:02,120 --> 00:12:04,480 Speaker 4: we just want to show up because we should is 251 00:12:04,480 --> 00:12:08,320 Speaker 4: a big mentality of ours. But I've really pushed for 252 00:12:08,360 --> 00:12:12,000 Speaker 4: the fact that there's something exciting I feel like, and 253 00:12:12,040 --> 00:12:14,000 Speaker 4: of course and biased, but I feel like about our 254 00:12:14,080 --> 00:12:17,240 Speaker 4: name and our team that will hopefully drive others to 255 00:12:17,320 --> 00:12:18,959 Speaker 4: want to be a part of you know, like if 256 00:12:19,000 --> 00:12:21,920 Speaker 4: we show up and we put our logo there, you 257 00:12:22,000 --> 00:12:24,360 Speaker 4: walk into the building and it says, welcome to the flock. 258 00:12:24,800 --> 00:12:27,040 Speaker 4: The goal is to make all of these kids feel 259 00:12:27,040 --> 00:12:29,120 Speaker 4: like they're part of our Ravens family. You know which 260 00:12:29,160 --> 00:12:31,520 Speaker 4: they are, and you know, the staff that we'll be 261 00:12:31,559 --> 00:12:34,160 Speaker 4: working at the club and everybody in the community like 262 00:12:34,520 --> 00:12:36,360 Speaker 4: we're here and we want you to be a part 263 00:12:36,400 --> 00:12:39,120 Speaker 4: of our family. And bringing in different pieces to that, 264 00:12:39,240 --> 00:12:42,360 Speaker 4: the eyes above the doorway, which our players are accustomed to, 265 00:12:42,480 --> 00:12:45,000 Speaker 4: you know, just kind of bringing some of those spaces 266 00:12:45,040 --> 00:12:48,360 Speaker 4: I think here was really important. And you know, putting 267 00:12:48,360 --> 00:12:50,200 Speaker 4: our name on the building again, it's not something that 268 00:12:50,200 --> 00:12:52,360 Speaker 4: we were accustomed to doing, but we hoped that it 269 00:12:52,400 --> 00:12:56,160 Speaker 4: would drive excitement and you know, an eagerness to be 270 00:12:56,360 --> 00:12:59,000 Speaker 4: a part of the club because we just hope that 271 00:12:59,040 --> 00:13:01,440 Speaker 4: we get you there. But the whole goal of what 272 00:13:01,480 --> 00:13:03,360 Speaker 4: the Boys and Girls Club does on a day in 273 00:13:03,360 --> 00:13:06,440 Speaker 4: and day out basis is incredible programming that'll keep you 274 00:13:06,480 --> 00:13:08,880 Speaker 4: there hopefully, and then also you know, allow you to 275 00:13:08,960 --> 00:13:12,080 Speaker 4: learn and grow and develop into incredible young adults and 276 00:13:12,120 --> 00:13:14,360 Speaker 4: adults and you know run off and do your own 277 00:13:14,600 --> 00:13:15,720 Speaker 4: you know, successful things. 278 00:13:15,880 --> 00:13:18,000 Speaker 5: Well, I mentioned Dick Cast a great moment at the 279 00:13:18,000 --> 00:13:20,720 Speaker 5: event on Mondays and revealed the football field is named 280 00:13:20,720 --> 00:13:23,800 Speaker 5: the Dick Cast Field, and he had he was surprised 281 00:13:23,800 --> 00:13:26,360 Speaker 5: with that moment by Steve alongside. 282 00:13:25,920 --> 00:13:27,400 Speaker 2: His huge reaction from the. 283 00:13:29,080 --> 00:13:33,440 Speaker 5: You know exactly what was I'm curious how did the 284 00:13:33,480 --> 00:13:36,800 Speaker 5: idea come about to honor him in that way and 285 00:13:36,880 --> 00:13:38,480 Speaker 5: just what was the moment like when you got to 286 00:13:38,480 --> 00:13:39,400 Speaker 5: share the news with him. 287 00:13:39,960 --> 00:13:40,520 Speaker 3: It was great. 288 00:13:40,559 --> 00:13:43,200 Speaker 4: I mean, so it was something we had talked about, 289 00:13:43,400 --> 00:13:46,320 Speaker 4: you know, and obviously with Dick retiring. 290 00:13:46,000 --> 00:13:49,720 Speaker 3: Through through the duration of this project, he really. 291 00:13:49,480 --> 00:13:53,319 Speaker 4: Did stay on though with you know, additional fundraising components. 292 00:13:53,400 --> 00:13:55,680 Speaker 5: And Steve said he hasn't fully accepted his retirement. 293 00:13:56,000 --> 00:13:58,320 Speaker 4: He won't, right, I don't think any of us ever will. 294 00:13:59,320 --> 00:14:02,080 Speaker 4: So no, so, yeah, he I think was there's always 295 00:14:02,080 --> 00:14:04,439 Speaker 4: ways that we were looking to how do you honor 296 00:14:04,600 --> 00:14:07,080 Speaker 4: you know, Dick throughout a process like this, And it 297 00:14:07,120 --> 00:14:10,280 Speaker 4: became like, hey, you know, we started talking do you 298 00:14:10,320 --> 00:14:12,440 Speaker 4: think that we can name the field after Dick? And 299 00:14:12,840 --> 00:14:16,040 Speaker 4: we took it to Steve and his response was like, 300 00:14:16,040 --> 00:14:17,240 Speaker 4: I think it's a great idea. 301 00:14:17,679 --> 00:14:19,560 Speaker 3: Just make sure you don't tell him or else he 302 00:14:19,600 --> 00:14:20,160 Speaker 3: won't want to do. 303 00:14:21,880 --> 00:14:24,360 Speaker 4: You know, he's just so humble and you know, such 304 00:14:24,400 --> 00:14:26,560 Speaker 4: an incredible leader with that he you know, he's the 305 00:14:26,640 --> 00:14:30,080 Speaker 4: first to recognize everybody else you know involved in the project. 306 00:14:30,080 --> 00:14:33,080 Speaker 4: But he was a huge catalyst with this, and I thought, 307 00:14:33,160 --> 00:14:35,440 Speaker 4: you know, there was no better way to be able 308 00:14:35,440 --> 00:14:38,560 Speaker 4: to honor him for his philanthropic work, you know, as 309 00:14:38,600 --> 00:14:41,800 Speaker 4: president with the team and personally and everything else and 310 00:14:42,200 --> 00:14:43,960 Speaker 4: just as a part of this project now forever. 311 00:14:44,120 --> 00:14:46,120 Speaker 3: So we were excited about it. 312 00:14:46,360 --> 00:14:48,760 Speaker 4: We were doing everything we could to keep it a secret, 313 00:14:49,280 --> 00:14:51,360 Speaker 4: but to you know, invite his family to come out 314 00:14:51,480 --> 00:14:53,640 Speaker 4: and hopefully you know, surprise him with that. 315 00:14:53,880 --> 00:14:54,160 Speaker 3: Again. 316 00:14:54,360 --> 00:14:57,600 Speaker 4: You know, we got the reaction we were expecting, but 317 00:14:57,720 --> 00:15:00,640 Speaker 4: we wanted to have a more intimate moment before it 318 00:15:00,680 --> 00:15:02,840 Speaker 4: was out on the field and on the stage where 319 00:15:02,840 --> 00:15:06,160 Speaker 4: we could kind of tell him directly and didn't completely 320 00:15:06,200 --> 00:15:10,320 Speaker 4: catch him off guard on stage. But really special moment 321 00:15:10,360 --> 00:15:11,720 Speaker 4: and he's so deserving of it. 322 00:15:12,000 --> 00:15:13,160 Speaker 2: Yeah, you talk about. 323 00:15:12,920 --> 00:15:16,240 Speaker 1: The reluctance of the organization to kind of pat ourselves 324 00:15:16,360 --> 00:15:18,200 Speaker 1: on our back for what we do in the community, 325 00:15:18,200 --> 00:15:22,280 Speaker 1: because it is what we should be doing. And really 326 00:15:22,280 --> 00:15:25,520 Speaker 1: the leaders I think set that tone. Steve Bashati is 327 00:15:25,840 --> 00:15:29,000 Speaker 1: a private guy who's not gonna thump his chest, and 328 00:15:29,200 --> 00:15:32,680 Speaker 1: Dick Cast the same way, and Sashi Brown and you know, 329 00:15:33,240 --> 00:15:34,040 Speaker 1: down the line. 330 00:15:34,840 --> 00:15:39,200 Speaker 2: And yet the commitment level is obviously very much there. 331 00:15:39,360 --> 00:15:42,120 Speaker 1: You know, see Bashadi and the Bashadi Foundation put up 332 00:15:42,120 --> 00:15:44,160 Speaker 1: twenty million dollars for this project. 333 00:15:43,920 --> 00:15:47,080 Speaker 2: Of their own money. I mean, that is a major commitment. 334 00:15:47,120 --> 00:15:49,440 Speaker 1: Obviously, you know Dick Cast and all the time he 335 00:15:49,560 --> 00:15:52,280 Speaker 1: spent and all of his influence. Can you just talk 336 00:15:52,320 --> 00:15:57,000 Speaker 1: about those leaders and the importance of making an impact 337 00:15:57,000 --> 00:15:59,400 Speaker 1: in Baltimore to ste Bashadi and Dick Cast. 338 00:15:59,760 --> 00:16:02,120 Speaker 4: Yeah, yeah, I mean I think you know, you hit 339 00:16:02,160 --> 00:16:05,080 Speaker 4: it exactly. I think it's it's that leadership that really 340 00:16:05,120 --> 00:16:09,040 Speaker 4: sets the whole culture of our organization. And how grateful 341 00:16:09,200 --> 00:16:12,280 Speaker 4: are we to have that type of influence on all 342 00:16:12,320 --> 00:16:15,520 Speaker 4: the decision making that we do, and obviously for me 343 00:16:15,600 --> 00:16:18,360 Speaker 4: and my role and you know, overseeing our philanthropy work, 344 00:16:18,400 --> 00:16:21,360 Speaker 4: I think, you know, it's incredible to know that this 345 00:16:21,400 --> 00:16:24,520 Speaker 4: is a priority to them. You know, again, it's a piece, 346 00:16:24,640 --> 00:16:27,160 Speaker 4: it's part of our mission statement. We also serve our fans. 347 00:16:27,200 --> 00:16:30,280 Speaker 4: We also desperately want to win all of our games, 348 00:16:30,400 --> 00:16:33,280 Speaker 4: you know, more Super Bowls, everything like that, and we 349 00:16:33,320 --> 00:16:35,640 Speaker 4: do everything we can to support that in every department 350 00:16:35,680 --> 00:16:38,320 Speaker 4: here at the organization. But then we also try to 351 00:16:38,360 --> 00:16:42,160 Speaker 4: give back within every department of the organization staff, you know, 352 00:16:42,240 --> 00:16:46,080 Speaker 4: members volunteering throughout our players going out on their days 353 00:16:46,080 --> 00:16:50,200 Speaker 4: off and volunteering and showing up a community events. 354 00:16:50,240 --> 00:16:52,360 Speaker 3: I mean, you know, it's just part of the culture 355 00:16:52,400 --> 00:16:52,880 Speaker 3: I think. 356 00:16:52,720 --> 00:16:56,280 Speaker 4: Here and it's not like that everywhere, and it's just 357 00:16:56,320 --> 00:16:59,800 Speaker 4: such a testament to to who they are as as 358 00:17:00,080 --> 00:17:03,360 Speaker 4: people and as leaders. And I think it's again goes 359 00:17:03,400 --> 00:17:07,280 Speaker 4: back to, you know, what we should be doing. You know, 360 00:17:07,320 --> 00:17:10,680 Speaker 4: I think we should be a catalyst in this community, 361 00:17:10,760 --> 00:17:15,040 Speaker 4: and it's something we've always you know, prioritized and we'll 362 00:17:15,080 --> 00:17:16,400 Speaker 4: continue to for years to come. 363 00:17:16,600 --> 00:17:18,919 Speaker 5: That's great. The last one for me, Heather, one of 364 00:17:18,920 --> 00:17:21,000 Speaker 5: my favorite moments was seeing a number of kids walk 365 00:17:21,040 --> 00:17:23,320 Speaker 5: into the space for the first time after the room 366 00:17:23,320 --> 00:17:26,239 Speaker 5: and cutting event on Monday, and there was excitement. They 367 00:17:26,280 --> 00:17:29,200 Speaker 5: were doing everything, just running around, jumping on the exercise bikes, 368 00:17:29,200 --> 00:17:31,280 Speaker 5: playing in the gym, just running throughout the building. 369 00:17:31,400 --> 00:17:33,399 Speaker 1: I love the kids at Green Street Academy. Like I 370 00:17:33,440 --> 00:17:35,159 Speaker 1: don't know if it was recess or something, but they 371 00:17:35,280 --> 00:17:37,960 Speaker 1: ran to the fence during the ceremony. You could hear 372 00:17:38,000 --> 00:17:40,160 Speaker 1: them back there like cheering, you know, they were. 373 00:17:40,119 --> 00:17:42,040 Speaker 5: Excited to do Yeah, Like they were just energy and 374 00:17:42,119 --> 00:17:45,639 Speaker 5: so I just thought that was a great moment to see, like, 375 00:17:45,680 --> 00:17:47,200 Speaker 5: this is what the space is going to look like 376 00:17:47,240 --> 00:17:49,760 Speaker 5: for years to come. What has you most excited about 377 00:17:50,200 --> 00:17:53,160 Speaker 5: where this project now that the building is done, where 378 00:17:53,200 --> 00:17:54,600 Speaker 5: this is going to go and the impact that it 379 00:17:54,640 --> 00:17:55,440 Speaker 5: will have long term. 380 00:17:55,960 --> 00:17:58,040 Speaker 3: I mean, same thing. It's it's about the kids. 381 00:17:58,160 --> 00:18:01,360 Speaker 4: We're so excited to give them a space that they deserve, 382 00:18:01,640 --> 00:18:03,960 Speaker 4: you know, again that they hopefully want to be excited 383 00:18:04,000 --> 00:18:06,680 Speaker 4: and come to come running down. There's a we put 384 00:18:06,720 --> 00:18:09,520 Speaker 4: in a walking path specifically from the school to the club, 385 00:18:09,960 --> 00:18:12,480 Speaker 4: so it's really easy to find us right after school, 386 00:18:12,520 --> 00:18:15,000 Speaker 4: come on by. But I think, you know, just being 387 00:18:15,000 --> 00:18:18,840 Speaker 4: able to see them flourish in this space and there's 388 00:18:18,880 --> 00:18:20,760 Speaker 4: so many different opportunities for them. 389 00:18:21,160 --> 00:18:22,200 Speaker 3: Yes, we have the. 390 00:18:22,200 --> 00:18:26,239 Speaker 4: Turf field, we have this incredible gymnasium that's huge. I 391 00:18:26,320 --> 00:18:28,600 Speaker 4: you know, I would have loved to play basketball on there, 392 00:18:28,600 --> 00:18:30,399 Speaker 4: growling ye myself, you know for sure. 393 00:18:31,119 --> 00:18:31,800 Speaker 3: But there's a. 394 00:18:31,920 --> 00:18:35,399 Speaker 4: Dance studio, and there's a podcast studio, and you know, 395 00:18:35,920 --> 00:18:39,480 Speaker 4: different just workrooms. There's a kitchen that they can learn 396 00:18:39,520 --> 00:18:41,720 Speaker 4: to even cook in, and you know, just all those 397 00:18:41,760 --> 00:18:45,320 Speaker 4: additional things, and you know, I think it speaks to 398 00:18:45,600 --> 00:18:50,239 Speaker 4: whatever anybody's ambitions are. And you know, we've hired a 399 00:18:50,280 --> 00:18:53,240 Speaker 4: center director there named Ashley and she's going to be incredible. 400 00:18:53,280 --> 00:18:56,879 Speaker 4: And in creating a team and cultivating a team again 401 00:18:56,880 --> 00:18:59,280 Speaker 4: from all these different angles to support the kids there, 402 00:18:59,720 --> 00:19:01,920 Speaker 4: I can't wait for all that. I can't wait to 403 00:19:01,960 --> 00:19:04,600 Speaker 4: see what they go off and do you know because again, 404 00:19:04,600 --> 00:19:07,320 Speaker 4: if we're investing in them and they feel like they 405 00:19:07,359 --> 00:19:09,960 Speaker 4: have support, then they can go be support for others 406 00:19:10,040 --> 00:19:12,600 Speaker 4: and hopefully is just a ripple effect that you know, 407 00:19:12,640 --> 00:19:14,240 Speaker 4: we're a small piece to be able. 408 00:19:14,080 --> 00:19:14,919 Speaker 3: To start with. 409 00:19:15,080 --> 00:19:17,800 Speaker 1: Yeah, cool, Well, the podcast studio was my only problem 410 00:19:17,800 --> 00:19:19,240 Speaker 1: with the whole product. 411 00:19:18,840 --> 00:19:19,440 Speaker 5: Put work. 412 00:19:19,480 --> 00:19:21,800 Speaker 1: It's only a matter of time before these kids take 413 00:19:21,840 --> 00:19:22,280 Speaker 1: our jobs. 414 00:19:23,000 --> 00:19:24,879 Speaker 4: Well, they're going to want you to come down and 415 00:19:24,960 --> 00:19:27,280 Speaker 4: you can get out and show that. 416 00:19:27,240 --> 00:19:28,680 Speaker 2: Would be very cool. That would be very cool. 417 00:19:28,720 --> 00:19:31,640 Speaker 1: Well, Heather, congratulations, this is a project that will make 418 00:19:31,760 --> 00:19:32,800 Speaker 1: change for a long time. 419 00:19:32,880 --> 00:19:34,520 Speaker 2: So congratulations, Thank you so much. 420 00:19:34,520 --> 00:19:35,159 Speaker 3: I appreciate you. 421 00:19:35,200 --> 00:19:37,879 Speaker 5: Guys, you're listening to the last podcast We're coming to 422 00:19:37,840 --> 00:19:39,240 Speaker 5: you from the Sea Geek Studio. We want to mention 423 00:19:39,280 --> 00:19:41,560 Speaker 5: our partners with Drafting sports Book. They're an official sports 424 00:19:41,560 --> 00:19:43,920 Speaker 5: betting partner or the Baltimore Ravens Draftking sports Book. The 425 00:19:44,000 --> 00:19:47,159 Speaker 5: Crown is yours. So thanks to Heather for stopping by 426 00:19:47,200 --> 00:19:49,000 Speaker 5: the podcast and also for all her work and putting 427 00:19:49,000 --> 00:19:51,399 Speaker 5: this project together. You and I were both there on Monday. 428 00:19:51,560 --> 00:19:54,080 Speaker 5: It really was a cool day and you had everybody 429 00:19:54,440 --> 00:19:57,280 Speaker 5: out there. You had the Mayor Brandon Scott, you have 430 00:19:57,359 --> 00:20:00,520 Speaker 5: the Ravens contingency Steve as Shatti and Sashy Brown and casts. 431 00:20:00,880 --> 00:20:03,239 Speaker 5: You had Kevin playing from under armour. Then you had 432 00:20:03,280 --> 00:20:06,000 Speaker 5: just had community members and kids like it. It was 433 00:20:06,119 --> 00:20:08,080 Speaker 5: jam packed and the energy was through the roof. So 434 00:20:08,560 --> 00:20:10,960 Speaker 5: it was it was a sign of what's to come 435 00:20:10,960 --> 00:20:13,879 Speaker 5: in that space, and it's it's really powerful for the 436 00:20:13,960 --> 00:20:16,040 Speaker 5: Ravens to have this kind of evolvement and I'm excited 437 00:20:16,080 --> 00:20:18,280 Speaker 5: for for where this leads in the future. 438 00:20:18,440 --> 00:20:21,240 Speaker 1: Yeah, I met the head of the neighborhood association there 439 00:20:21,280 --> 00:20:24,200 Speaker 1: who was all jacked up and and you just felt 440 00:20:24,200 --> 00:20:28,400 Speaker 1: the energy of that neighborhood in West Baltimore, and I'm 441 00:20:28,440 --> 00:20:31,159 Speaker 1: really excited for what's to come because it's, like I 442 00:20:31,160 --> 00:20:33,520 Speaker 1: said the Heather, it's projects like these that make a 443 00:20:33,560 --> 00:20:36,600 Speaker 1: lasting impact, and so it's gonna be kind of the 444 00:20:36,600 --> 00:20:41,360 Speaker 1: home base of Ravens community projects, you know, and I'm 445 00:20:41,359 --> 00:20:43,280 Speaker 1: excited to be a part of that as well, for sure. 446 00:20:43,400 --> 00:20:45,240 Speaker 5: So we wanted to take a little break for the 447 00:20:45,240 --> 00:20:48,240 Speaker 5: Football Conversation and talk about this really important project. So again, 448 00:20:48,520 --> 00:20:50,920 Speaker 5: thanks to Heather and everybody who has evolved and putting 449 00:20:50,960 --> 00:20:54,240 Speaker 5: this together, and we will continue the Football Conversation as always. 450 00:20:54,240 --> 00:20:56,280 Speaker 5: You can email us at the lounge at Ravens dot 451 00:20:56,400 --> 00:20:59,159 Speaker 5: NFL dot net. There's a lot happening as the Ravens 452 00:20:59,160 --> 00:21:01,760 Speaker 5: get ready for Sundays come up against the La Rams 453 00:21:02,040 --> 00:21:04,440 Speaker 5: Sunday one o'clock at MPTY Bay Stadium. We will have 454 00:21:04,480 --> 00:21:07,800 Speaker 5: another episode leading into that game, breaking down everything happening 455 00:21:07,800 --> 00:21:09,760 Speaker 5: on the practice field and also some of the big 456 00:21:09,800 --> 00:21:11,440 Speaker 5: news of the weeks of Stay tuned for that. Thank 457 00:21:11,480 --> 00:21:13,199 Speaker 5: you so much for watching and listening, and we'll be 458 00:21:13,280 --> 00:21:14,240 Speaker 5: back with you again soon.