Baltimore Leaders Honored with Visionary Award

On Tuesday, November 30, the Foundation hosted its Baltimore Visionary Awards Dinner at M&T Bank Stadium, home of the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens. Three prominent members of the community – David Cordish, chairman of the Cordish Companies; Ray Lewis, linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens; and Buffy Smith, vice president of the Ray Lewis Foundation – were honored with the Foundation’s Visionary Award in recognition of their outstanding contributions and commitments made to the Baltimore community and the Foundation’s mission.

Suzi and David Cordish with Ray Lewis

More than 200 guests walked the purple carpet at M&T to enjoy this memorable evening. The motivation behind the evening was not forgotten, however. Among those gathered at the gala were families with loved ones affected by vision-robbing retinal degenerative diseases. The money raised through the dinner will go toward promising research that will find treatments and cures for these devastating conditions.

“It’s an absolute honor to receive a Visionary Award from the Foundation Fighting Blindness,” said David Cordish. “Hard work and focus are integral to any significant endeavor, and the Foundation Fighting Blindness embodies these qualities. I can’t think of a better cause to support than giving the gift of vision.”

Mort Goldberg, Ray Lewis, Bill Schmidt

“It’s an honor to be recognized by the Foundation Fighting Blindness,” said Ray Lewis, as he accepted his award. “I’m thrilled to be connected to such a great organization whose main mission is restoring sight. I admire the Foundation’s commitment and the progress they have made in helping so many.” Ray delivered passionate and inspirational remarks about his dedication to helping organizations within the Baltimore community, like the Foundation Fighting Blindness. Ray’s family and fellow Ravens teammates, including Jarrett Johnson and Haloti Ngata, attended the dinner to support him.

Honorees Ray Lewis and David Cordish

A live auction of original Ray Lewis photo art by Marc Serota closed the night. Ray signed the art for the auction winners.

The Foundation is extremely grateful for the help of these honorees in the success of this dinner. Also integral to the dinner’s success were Co-Chairs LuAnn and Jay Blackman and Honorary Co-Chair Morton F. Goldberg, M.D. Finally, special thanks to all who attended and supported the evening. With your support, the Foundation is moving closer than ever to treatments and cures for blinding retinal diseases.