The Ed Block Courage Award Foundation celebrated its 30th year in Baltimore last week by again recognizing a player from each NFL team who “in the eyes of his teammates,” according to its Web site, “best exemplifies and displays courage.” This three-day event, which benefited the foundation’s national Courage House program for abused children, concluded at Martin’s West before a packed house.

A private VIP reception kicked off the celebrity-filled festivities and included a meeting with almost-Ravens-coach Jason Garrett (who turned down the job to remain a Cowboys assistant), former Ravens coach Brian Billick and new Ravens coach John Harbaugh. “So, what are you up to?” emcee Scott Garceau asked Billick, who responded with one of the evening’s funnier lines: “I’m enjoying sitting with Cardinal Keeler. We’re just two unemployed Baltimore guys hangin’ out.”

Ravens Director of Player Development O.J. Brigance, who has two Baltimore championship rings — one from the Ravens and the other from the CFL’s Stallions, was honored for his continued faith and success while battling ALS, more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Longtime E.B. supporter Dave Humphrey was among the guests along with Dave Carder, Ann Marie Frederick and Tony Agnone. The media’s Mark Viviano (WJZ-TV), Bruce Cunningham (Fox 45) and Brent Harris (Comcast SportsNet) pitched in to help Garceau keep the program running smoothly.

CELL-A-BRATE

This story continues below
Advertisement

Hadassah of Greater Baltimore held its fundraiser recently to benefit stem cell advocacy and research. Held at the Scottish Rite of Free Masonry in Baltimore, the black-tie-and-blue-jeans gala raised more than $50,000, which thrilled event chairwomen Sharon Bass, Carol Noel and Sheila Silverstein.

Anne Boone-Simanski is the social columnist for The Examiner and can be reached at absss@baltimoreexaminer.com or 410-878-6131.