This weekend, For My Kidz, Inc., a grantee supported by the Baltimore Children & Youth Fund (BCYF) will host Keion Carpenter Weekend — a three-day celebration honoring the life and legacy of the beloved Baltimore native, who was an NFL star and community champion.
Keion Carpenter died suddenly in late 2016 after a fall while on vacation with his family in Miami. More than a professional athlete, Carpenter was committed to empowering young people through coaching, tutoring, and mentorship. He also founded The Carpenter House, a nonprofit dedicated to helping underprivileged families find pathways to home ownership.
The weekend honoring him centers on uplifting youth through mentorship, wellness, and positive community engagement. There is also a focus on sexual health and violence prevention. It takes place from Friday, June 27 — Sunday, June 29. There will be special appearances and participation from:
- Marcus Hatten, former St. John’s standout & Baltimore native
- Aquille Carr, former pro/G-League player
- Squirrel Wyde, 92Q
- The Strut King, Bunkey Snead
The weekend celebration kicks off on Friday at 6 p.m. with a Friends and Family Happy Hour at Vessel Baltimore, located at 2460 Terrapin Way, Baltimore, MD.
On Saturday, June 28, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., there will be a celebrity basketball tournament with participation from local officials, public figures, and special guests teaming up to demonstrate that sports can promote unity and help prevent youth violence. The For My Kidz vs. I Am Mentality Celebrity Basketball Tournament will showcase the importance of creating a safe, hopeful future for Baltimore youth.
The tournament takes place at Edmonson-Westside High School, located at 501 N. Athol Ave., Baltimore, MD. Tickets cost $5 for adults, and children under 16 are admitted for free. To purchase tickets, click this link.
There are many other fun and family-friendly activities at the high school on Saturday, including youth clinics and games, sexual health and violence prevention workshops, food trucks, and more. There will also be a scholarship presentation in honor of Keion Carpenter from the “29 Forever” fund, which supports Baltimore youth.
The weekend closes on Sunday morning with a brunch fundraiser to support future youth initiatives. The brunch begins at 1 p.m. and will be held at 16 On The Park, located at 800 N. Wolfe St., #16, Baltimore, MD. Tickets cost $55.20 and can be purchased by clicking this link.
