2015 was a fantastic year in which the Browns were able to #give10 and help their community in a multitude of ways. The Greater Cleveland area has benefitted from the presence of the Browns and their generosity. Throughout the season of giving, the Cleveland Browns organization helped and supported many families in the Cleveland area. From the ownership to executives, players, coaches and staff the true holiday spirit was felt within the walls of the Browns Training Facility as well as in the community, where support of the Dawg Pound was in full effect. Kicking off the Thanksgiving holiday, Browns staff and more than 20 current players and Browns Alumni were on site or financially supported the Greater Cleveland Food Bank to reach families in 6 counties throughout Northeast Ohio. Joining the Browns were Channel 5's Good Morning Cleveland who were able to #give10 and lend a hand in the warehouse packing zone, helping the Browns prep backpacks for kids as they head home for break. Through the Browns support over 100,000 meals were provided to families this holiday season.
Nearly a week later, although no snow was on the ground December festivities had begun at the Berea Training Facility. Jingle bells were ringing as gifts, for Cuyahoga and Lorain County foster care children, lined the halls on the 2nd floor. Gifts for the children to ensure they have a special surprise to open in time for the holiday were donated through the Browns Giving Tree program. More than 125 children were supported by Browns staff through the Giving Tree program this year. Those weren't the only bows and bags that made an appearance. Many more were seen coming in and out as a part of the Browns Adopt-a-Family holiday program. This year a record breaking 38 families were adopted and supported by ownership, executives, Browns players and their significant others this season. The Adopt-a-Family program supports families associated with The Littlest Heroes, which reaches families of a child recently diagnosed with cancer or The Centers for Families and Children, helping families living below the poverty level in Cleveland.
The Browns were also focused on continuing efforts to further youth education as well as health and wellness this holiday season. A lucky school from Cleveland Metropolitan School District, Wade Park, also received a holiday treat through the Browns and Fuel Up to Play 60. This partnership with the NFL Hometown Grant provided $10,000 to a school recognizing students for outstanding attendance and an increase of eating a balanced breakfast at school. The school celebrated the exciting news with Browns players Johnson Bademosi and Ibraheim Campbell, who had no problem sharing why it is important to go to school – Bademosi is a graduate of Stanford University while Campbell graduated from Northwestern University.
The Browns turned their attention to other leaders in community this month as well. Alex Mack received the 2015 Ed Block Courage Award at the annual Deck the House event. The annual award is the only NFL award that is voted on by teammates to select a recipient for his courage. Mack received the award, after coming off of an injury, for his leadership on and off the field. Providence House is the Cleveland Browns Courage House and supported by the organization throughout the year including visits by the Browns Executive Leadership team to support the crisis nursery.
The Dawg Pound also got in on the action this season, getting involved in the Browns First and Ten Toy Drive on Game day. This #give10 opportunity captured the giving spirit of the Dawg Pound, who supported the US Marine Corps Toys for Tots program. Thousands of toys and donations were collected by members of the US Marine Corps at the December 13th game – a true showing the First and Ten movement in action. Thank you to the many fans who supported the Toy Drive!
As December came to a close, many of the players chose to #give10 and help the community with their holiday events and giveaways. Brian Hartline a celebrity waiter night which raised funds for children and families in need throughout Northeast Ohio through his Helping Hands Foundation. Joe Thomas also held his annual Shop with a Pro event where kids from the City of Cleveland Recreation Centers were surprised with a shopping spree, accompanied by many Browns players just in time for the holidays. Andrew Hawkins also held his Holiday Takeover x2 this year providing a pizza party and gifts galore for nearly 200 children all across the Greater Cleveland Area. Gary Barnidge also sponsored a shopping trip for children from Ohio Guidestone, allowing them to fill their carts and wishlists in time for the holiday.
Remember it's never too late to #give10, help your community. Give 10 hours and help others. You can make a difference.
Happy Holidays! #give10
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