While Anquan Boldin is no longer catching touchdown passes for the purple and black this season, the former Raven is still making a major impact in Baltimore.
On Thursday morning Anquan Boldin and his Q 81 Foundation hosted their annual “Holiday Shopping Spree” event at Wal-Mart for 65 students from The SEED School of Maryland, a college-preparatory, public boarding school in Baltimore.
“Our Holiday Shopping Spree is one of several programs the Q81 Foundation conducts each year in multiple cities, selecting schools where holiday gifts are greatly appreciated. This is our second year doing this in the city of Baltimore with The SEED School of Maryland and we look forward to making the SEED Scholars’ holidays a little bit brighter.” ~ Anquan Boldin
Each student received a $100 gift card to use for anything they wanted in the store. The mid-morning event was filled with fun, smiles and life lessons, all of which Boldin and his foundation stress the importance of for today’s youth.
Anquan began the Anquan Boldin “Q81″ Foundation during his sophomore season in Baltimore with a mission to bring hope to underprivileged children. Well-known throughout the league for his work ethic, his character, and his professionalism, Anquan is also known for his generosity in giving back to his community. The Q81 Foundation is dedicated to expanding the educational and life opportunities of underprivileged children.
“I am happy for my Foundation to return to Baltimore this Christmas season and embrace a community that still means very much to me and my family”, Boldin replied when asked about continuing his efforts to make Baltimore a better place.
During his career in Baltimore, I had the privilege of covering Anquan and the Q 81 Foundation and saw first hand the opportunities he has provided for so many people. His love for Baltimore runs very deep both on the field and off. The dedication he has in making the community a better place is second to none.
We often forget that football is a business and players come and go in the blink of an eye. Many fans (myself included) will always have a place in their hearts for Boldin for his workmanlike perseverance he put forth each and every Sunday.
While his play on the field made us all cheer, it’s his work that he does off the field that has made Baltimore lucky to have had such a class act don the purple and black.
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