Michael Campanaro of the Baltimore Ravens went back to his alma mater River Hill High School to take part in a Marines Toys for Tots event on Friday night. Fans were given the opportunity to get memorabilia autographed and take pictures with the Ravens wide receiver in exchange for bringing a new, unwrapped to to be donated to the less fortunate. Two of the Ravens cheerleaders were also at the event to sign autographs.
Doing the event at River Hill High School gave Campanaro the chance to interact with what he called a “built in fan base.” He said that he truly appreciated the opportunity to have a large fan base despite being a seventh round draft pick because he plays for his hometown team.
There were upwards of 400 toys that were collected. Campanaro was originally scheduled to only sign for just about an hour but a larger than expected turnout caused him to happily stay for an extra 30 minutes. He gladly took pictures with many fans as he was dressed in a Campanaro Strength and Conditioning shirt. His brother Nick Campanaro trains local high school, college and professional athletes.
Nick’s expertise was instrumental in his brother posting one of the more outstanding performances at the NFL Scouting Combine. Campanaro was among the top performers for wide receivers in numerous drills at the Combine. Nick said that doing these kinds of events was something that Michael thought about doing before he got to the NFL.
Campanaro has already taken part in a few of the Ravens community events. This one has a special meaning because it brought back memories of how he used to excel in the football field for River Hill. Being able to come back and host the event is something that Campanaro cherishes. The toy drive was an idea that he came up with. The Marines hold numerous Toys for Tots events from October through November. Campanaro reached out to them to make arrangements for the drive to be held at his alma mater.
Many are aware of the way that fellow Ravens wide receiver Torrey Smith has become firmly entrenched within the Maryland community. Campanaro cited Smith as a source of inspiration for the community work that he plans to do. “I look at Torrey Smith and everything he does in terms of community work and he’s someone that I really look up to,” said Campanaro. “I want to follow in his footsteps and do a lot of the same things he is.”
This is only the beginning as far as Michael Campanaro is concerned. The holiday season is upon us and he will be involved in many more of the Baltimore Ravens community events.
