Mentor, Ohio -- Last month, the Burnt River Browns Backers of Mentor, Ohio, were selected as the 2013 Browns Backers Club of the Year, as voted on by Browns Backers Worldwide (BBW) presidents. On Sunday, March 23, the club was celebrated at Tony Sacco's Coal Over Pizza at Great Lakes Mall. Former Cleveland Browns wide receiver Reggie Langhorne joined the celebration, along with surprise visits from both Chomps and Brownie!
Approximately 150 people joined the celebration, including presidents from four other official BBW clubs. Bob Hostutler, President of the Burnt River Browns Backers, accepted a plaque from the Browns Backers Worldwide staff and thanked his officers and membership for all that they do throughout the year.
"Thank you to the Browns Backers Worldwide staff, Chomps, Brownie the Elf and Browns legend Reggie Langhorne,"said Hostutler. "All of our members and guests raved about how much they enjoyed the event. It was a great party."
You can see a link to all photos here.
The club donated more than $20,000 in 2013. In addition to their donation to the Cleveland Browns Foundation, the Burnt River Browns Backers supported a local hospital's pediatric burn unit, participated in an annual Toys for Tots Tailgate and hosted a breakfast for over 90 marines. They donated time and money to the Live Love Dog Rescue Shelter and supported several cancer organizations, as well as the Hospice of Western Reserve in memory of a club member who passed away.
The club even received a grant from the Cleveland Browns Foundation in 2013 in support of the work that they do with Deepwood, a special needs facility.
"It was a pleasure to celebrate the Burnt River Browns Backers' accomplishments with so many of its club members," said Browns Backers Worldwide manager, Michele DeScioli. "They do so much in their community and in support of the team. All of us in the organization are happy to see the club being recognized for their efforts."
For more information or to join Browns Backers Worldwide, visit www.BrownsBackers.org, or follow BBW on Facebook or Twitter (@BrownsBackers).
