Without the help from others when Torrey Smith was growing up in Virginia, the dream of even going to college – let alone competing for the Maryland Terrapins or playing in the NFL – would have never come to fruition.

Now that the life of being an NFL player is a reality for Smith, giving back to the community while empowering young students to excel in the classroom has become a privilege for him and his wife Chanel, who were both the first members of their families to attend college.

On April 2 at the fifth annual Torrey Smith Foundation charity basketball game hosted at the Royal Farms Arena, new partnerships will be announced to enhance the Baltimore community beginning this summer.

Along with the game, which will feature past and current teammates of Smith as well as local celebrities, the event will feature giveaways and live entertainment.

Smith has previously held the event at his high school and in College Park, but has decided on a home for the game in Baltimore.

“When I am done playing we are going to be living in the Baltimore area,” he said.

Smith has witnessed other NFL players cut ties with the community once they are no longer playing with the team.

“The love for the city is still there,” Smith said of Baltimore where he began his NFL career and spent four seasons with the Ravens before signing with the San Francisco 49ers.

With a focus on education, Smith regularly holds events in his hometown, Baltimore and California to raise money for education-related events, holiday programming and the Tevin Jones Scholarship Fund. In honor of his late brother, Smith awards four annual scholarships to high school seniors entering college.

“I will always cover that to make sure that continues to go on,” he said of the scholarship. “It has always been important for me to give back because a lot of people helped me and my family. I wouldn't be where I am today without the help that I received. Football is a platform to help the community.”

Smith is looking forward to seeing familiar faces and smiles throughout the crowd in Baltimore. In his eyes it is more of a “FUN-raiser” than a fundraiser.

“It's a basketball game but it is a fundraiser with the whole community coming together. I love it.”

To purchase tickets to the Torrey Smith Celebrity Basketball Game in Baltimore, click here.

-Terps-