1st Annual Team Sizzle Weekend Supports Awareness of Sickle Cell Disease

The weekend of October, 24-26, 2008, two-time Pro Bowler and Baltimore Ravens linebacker, Terrell Suggs, celebrated his birthday by hosting the 1st Annual Team Sizzle Worldwide Celebrity Weekend in Baltimore, MD. Proceeds raised went to The William E. Proudford Sickle Cell Fund, which partners with major institutions to provide ongoing financial support for sickle cell awareness, education and research at Mid-Atlantic area children's hospitals. A caring community servant, Terrell was inspired to direct his energy and resources toward care for sickle cell patients after meeting a teenager who loves football but whose condition has prevented him from playing and therefore expresses his frustration through paintings. "After meeting him, I really felt the need to help him and others in his condition," said Suggs. "I'm incredibly blessed and the children I've met remind me how many people are unable to do some of the things many of us take for granted. I am honored to assist the William E Proudford Sickle Cell fund in their quest to ‘imagine a world without sickle cell' and hope that my community and other attendees will continue the effort."

The MotoArt Gifting Suite, presented by Terrell Suggs and sponsored by Rowdy Apparel, Mixed Chicks, Rock the Bureau and various brands, welcomed celebrity guests, such as Christina Milian (singer, actress), Reagan Gomez-Preston (actress), Jill Marie Jones (actress), Hosea Chanchez (actor), Gary Sturgis (actor), Kellita Smith (actress), Winky Wright (boxer) and many others to town on Friday evening. Later, Suggs kicked off the weekend with a red carpet bash at the brand new luxury waterfront property, Silo Point. Celebrity guests and Terrell's Ravens teammates, including Ray Lewis, Bart Scott, Evan Oglesby and Willis McGahee, were wowed by cirque aerialists, fire breathers and Vegas style entertainment.

Saturday's event, a private luncheon for children living with sickle cell and Terrell's celebrity guests at the Ritz Carlton Residences, provided the weekend's most poignant moments. Not only did the children and their families interact with some of their favorite stars, but the children also received autographed sports paraphernalia from Terrell Suggs while their parents and the celebrities were treated to spa services at the Pearl Spa & Salon. In addition, paintings created by sickle cell patients to illustrate their experience was on display, reminding all in attendance what life is like when you live with a debilitating disease. Life coach and actress, Dee Marshall served as the guest speaker, and closing remarks were provided by Dr. Karen Proudford, a professor at Morgan State University, who started the WEP Sickle Cell Fund in honor of her father, who suffered from the disease. Suggs said, "It's great to provide money to worthy causes, but sometimes that's not enough. I wanted to interact with the children and let them know that my celebrity friends and I really care. Actually hugging, shaking hands and making the kids smile was a healing experience for all of us."

The weekend ended with the celebrities attending the Baltimore Ravens vs. Oakland Raiders home game at M&T Bank Stadium, where the Ravens won 29-10 with Terrell having 5 tackles and a sack. Following the Ravens win, Terrell's friends, family and selected guests enjoyed an invitation-only celebration in the two-story penthouse apartment at Silo Point.

In addition to celebrating Terrell's birthday and directing attention and financial assistance toward a worthy cause, the weekend also served as the launch for Terrell's entertainment company, Team Sizzle Worldwide.

About Terrell Suggs:
Terrell Suggs, affectionately known as "T-Sizzle" was selected 10th in the first round of the 2003 NFL draft. Since then, he has amassed 212 solo tackles and 45 sacks on the field. Off the field, he is committed to helping his community and has therefore donated money to various charities that benefit children. He has also recently founded an entertainment company, Team Sizzle Worldwide, and 1080 Incorporated, a film company through which he will write and produce movies.

About W.E.P. Sickle Cell Fund, Inc.:
The William E. Proudford Sickle Cell Fund partners with major institutions in the Mid-Atlantic area in order to provide an ongoing source of funds earmarked to support sickle cell awareness, education and research.

Eddie Rhodman, Jr.
404-423-4493
eddie@d4sm.com

This release was published on openPR.