Councilman Robert Jones and his wife, Joyce, enjoy a moment with Vonta Leach,a Rowland native and fullback for the Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens, at the Communities In Schools fundraiser last week.

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LUMBERTON — Vonta Leach, a fullback for the Super Bowl champion Baltimore Raves, was the special guest last week at a Communities In Schools fundraiser events held at the home of Erica Meekins.

Leach, a Rowland native who graduated from South Robeson High School and East Carolina University, spoke to nearly 150 people about his early background and current football success. He also shared how he is using his foundation to help youths in Robeson County. He answered questions related to his football success and the Ravens’ win of the 2013 Super Bowl.

Abe Marshall, the chairman of the Communities In Schools board, said the event raised about $51,500.

Denice Lambdin, executive director for Communities In School, said the last week’s fundraiser was the most successful ever, drawing the largest number of guests and raising the most money. She credited that success to community support and Leach’s Super Bowl celebrity and guest appearance.

She said that Leach’s foundation and CIS have a similar mission — to help young people in Robeson County.