As Huntington employees gathered in the SERVPRO Club decorated for the holiday season at Huntington Bank Field, they sat around tables and other gathering spaces with piles of gifts and wrapping paper.
Employees enjoyed breakfast and hot chocolate as they conversed with one another and wrapped gifts donated by both Browns and Huntington employees as part of the Browns annual Giving Tree.
"Our colleagues came together in a truly special way," Northeast Ohio Region President of Huntington Bank Sean Richardson said. "The generosity and spirit of volunteerism we've seen here will bring joy to many children in need throughout northeast Ohio this holiday season."
As part of the Browns "Month of Giving," over 150 Browns staff and employees participated in the annual Giving Tree, choosing a tag to provide gifts for a child in Cuyahoga County for the holidays. The Browns have done their annual Giving Tree for over two decades.
"Month of Giving" is an annual Browns tradition throughout December when Browns players, coaches and staff participate in special community events and make meaningful contributions to deserving organizations or individuals. "Month of Giving" serves as a part of the team's yearlong commitment to promoting education, youth football and social justice, as well as inspiring others through the signature First and Ten volunteering movement.
"The Giving Tree has been a tradition for Browns staff over the years, and to be able to partner with Huntington Bank and double the kids supported, is truly amazing," Haslam Sports Group Vice President of Community Relations Jenner Tekancic said. "Our stadium has turned into a holiday workshop because of the generosity and volunteerism from so many people. Through this partnership, we have not only been able to magnify our impact, but we can help create awareness of opportunities to help provide a memorable holiday for local youth in Cuyahoga County."
Huntington Bank joined in the Browns' efforts this holiday season to support the Browns Giving Tree and matched the number of gifts the Browns employees purchased to help support kids in need during the holiday season. Huntington Bank came on board to help support and grow the impact the Browns can make for local kids in need, stemming from the dedication of their employees to give back to the community.
Altogether, Huntington Bank and the Browns totaled nearly 1,000 gifts. About 40 employees from Huntington Bank also helped wrap and deliver the gifts to Cuyahoga County Old Brooklyn location.
Huntington, which entered into a 20-year partnership with the Browns in Sept. 2024, including naming rights to Huntington Bank Field, has a shared vision and long-standing commitment to the Cleveland community and broader region.
"The power of the Browns and Huntington partnership was a win for our community today," Richardson said. "Together, we can truly make a difference. I look forward to our collective impact in 2025."
