community involvement

COMMUNITY
INVOLVEMENT
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Positive Impact, Continued Commitment
Though impact is a word most often used in reference to the physical
nature of our sport, it is also a word that accurately describes the objective
of the Cleveland Browns community outreach efforts in 2010. As we look
back on the past year, a year of change and promise, we are proud of the
positive impact our outreach efforts have had on our city and region, and
the support our efforts provided to the people and fans who so loyally
support us.
Looking ahead we remain dedicated to contributing to our community by
focusing on citizenship, education, health & wellness and youth football
and by partnering with others who share our desire to help.
We hope the information on the following pages demonstrates that
commitment as well as the appreciation our players and organization
have for our great city and fans.
Sincerely,
Mike Holmgren
President
Renee Z. Harvey
Director, Community Outreach
The Cleveland Browns logged over 850 hours of community service through player outreach effforts in 2010.
CITIzENshIP
Honoring Those Who Make the Ultimate Sacrifice
Hats Off to Our Heroes recognizes individuals throughout Northeast Ohio who are committed to making our country and
communities safe. The Browns support these individuals throughout the year through multiple outreach initiatives.
Honor Row: During regular season home games, the Browns
invite those who serve our local communities and members of the
United States Armed Forces to join us in the Hats Off to Our Heroes
Honor Row
Row. Fans, players and coaches salute these individuals
and recognize and commend them for their honorable actions to
protect our country. At the 2010 home opener on September 19,
the Browns honored fallen officers: Trooper Andrew C. Baldridge,
Police Officer Jarod Michael Dean, Patrolman James Kerstetter,
Police Officer Thomas Patton II and Chief of Police Carl Worley.
Veterans Day: The Browns celebrated Veterans Day through
special tributes during the Browns vs. Patriots game on November
7. Festivities included the formation of a military gauntlet during
the player introductions and special recognition of the Tuskegee
Airmen, the first African American military aviators to fight in
World War II and ignite advocacy for African Americans to enlist
in the military.
Care Packages: The 2010 rookie class visited the USO Care
Package Facility in Chagrin Falls to assemble care packages for
soldiers deployed overseas. In addition, the Cleveland Browns
presented the USO of Northern Ohio with a $10,000 donation.
Pro vs. GI Joe: Families of the men and women serving our
country overseas joined the Browns as they were connected to
their loved ones via a live remote. Players competed against the
troops in a variety of video games as part of Pro vs. GI Joe. Local
military representatives also were invited to join in the excitement
while enjoying tailgate-style food. This unique event connected
Cleveland Browns players with individuals serving in Afghanistan,
Iraq, Kuwait, and stationed at Fort Drum and recovering at the
Walter Reed Army Medical Center.
Elite Opportunities: Preseason military outreach efforts
welcomed the 112th Engineer Battalion of the Ohio Army
National Guard and military guests of the USO of Northern Ohio
to the Browns Draft Day Party, Mini Camp and Training Camp.
More than 1,500 tickets were donated over the course of the season to the men and women who serve our country.
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Throughout the Browns’ history, more than 30 players and coaches have served in the United States Armed Forces,
including Hall of Fame players Otto Graham, Marion Motley, Dante Lavelli, Frank Gatski and Paul Brown.
CITIzENshIP
Community Partnerships
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American Heart Association, Healthy Family
Training Camp
Marine Corps, Touchdown for Tots
American Red Cross, 10th Annual Dr. Charles
Drew Blood Drive
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American Cancer Society, Crucial Catch
Cleveland Foodbank, 12th Annual Taste of
the Browns
6) Big Brothers Big Sisters, Match of the Game
7) Providence House, holiday programming
8) United Way of Greater Cleveland, annual
partnership
9) Cleveland Foodbank, Food Drive
10) Shoes and Clothes for Kids, Holiday
Extravaganza
11) Autism Speaks, Light Up Blue
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The Browns 2010 Dr. Charles Drew Blood Drive had the potential to positively impact approximately 2,196 patients in Northern Ohio.
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Giving Throughout the Year
Browns Women’s Organization: The Browns Women’s Organization
(BWO), supported by Cleveland Clinic, consists of spouses and
significant others of Browns players and coaches who actively
support the local community through outreach endeavors. The
2010 season kicked-off with a special invitation to children residing
at Berea Children’s Home, who were given a once-in-a-lifetime
experience at Training Camp. BWO members created a memorable
Halloween for kids and their mothers at Laura’s Home as they hosted
a festive Halloween party including activities, crafts and a trick-ortreat parade with special costumes. The newly refurbished Norma
Herr Women’s Center opened its doors for the Thanksgiving holiday
with BWO members hosting 100 women for a Thanksgiving meal.
To wrap up the holiday season, BWO members spread some holiday
cheer through a visit to Providence House, joining the children for
holiday activities. During each of their community initiatives, BWO
members wore custom pink jerseys to demonstrate support of Breast
Cancer Awareness.
Holidays: The holiday season was a special time for the Cleveland
Browns organization to give back to the local community through
a number of holiday endeavors in 2010. During the Thanksgiving
season, more than 40 Browns players and staff volunteered at the
Cleveland Foodbank, preparing meals and boxing items for families
in need. A gate collection for the Cleveland Foodbank also was held
at the Browns home game on November 14. In addition, 400 families
received food and other essentials through Feed the Children and
Salvation Army. In December, Browns players offered exclusive
holiday shopping experiences for kids. The holidays continued
as 100 children were invited to select new winter jackets, hats
and mittens as part of a Holiday Extravaganza in Brownstown,
in partnership with Shoes and Clothes for Kids. BWO members
and their spouses participated in the Adopt-A-Family program
through The Littlest Heroes and adopted 22 families who were
struggling financially and emotionally because a child in their
immediate family was affected by cancer.
Player Ticket Programs: In 2010, 14 Browns players selected
charitable organizations to benefit from Player Ticket Programs.
Individuals served by the selected organizations received game
tickets, parking, commemorative apparel and food vouchers. More
than 2,000 tickets were purchased by players this season through
their respective ticket programs.
Browns 2010 Walter Payton Man of the Year: The Walter Payton
Man of the Year Award is given annually by the National Football
League to recognize a player’s volunteer and charity work, as
well as his excellence on the field. All-Pro Offensive Lineman Joe
Thomas was honored as the 2010 Cleveland Browns Walter Payton
Man of the Year.
Player contributions to the Cleveland Foodbank resulted in more than 1,000 families receiving meals during the holidays.
EDUCATION
Promoting Education Through a Variety
of Outreach Programs
Cleveland Browns Back to School Campaign: Established
by Shoes and Clothes for Kids, a non-profit organization that
is unique to Cleveland and focuses on providing new shoes
and clothes to children, the back to school effort provides
necessities to kids through a network of 30 distribution
partners. Believing that each student should start the school
year with confidence and equipped with the necessities, the
Browns have funded the Back to School Campaign since
2008. Through the Browns’ support, 6,000 gift cards for shoes
were provided to children.
Touchdown for Reading: In partnership with Cleveland
Clinic, Cuyahoga County Public Library and Stark County
District Library, the inaugural fall reading program
was kicked off at the Browns preseason home game
on September 2. Prior to kickoff, students had the
opportunity to visit the Touchdown for Reading tent
located on the Tailgate Terrace. Cuyahoga County Public
Library, Stark County District Library and Cleveland Clinic
provided giveaways. One of the first to pre-register for
the program, Max Fedorchek, served as the game’s Honorary
Coin Toss Captain, while other young readers helped hold
the American flag. The Touchdown for Reading program ran
September 7 through November 20. Through the program
children could track their reading minutes online to score a
touchdown and be eligible for fantastic Cleveland Browns
prizes. At the conclusion of the program, nearly 40 library
branches hosted Browns-themed parties.
Pro Football Hall of Fame Educational Outreach Program:
Through a partnership with the Pro Football Hall of Fame, a
cross-curriculum educational program is offered online at
no cost to teachers. Subjects include language arts, science,
physical education, visual arts, social studies, mathematics and
the internet.
More than 2,700 children participated in the Browns 2010 Touchdown for Reading program and tracked 738,000 minutes of reading!
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Cleveland Browns Marion Motley Scholarship: During
the Browns vs. Steelers game, the Cleveland Browns
Foundation formally announced Breanna Aponte
from James Ford Rhodes High School in Cleveland and
DaVaughn DuBose from Shaker Heights High School in
Shaker Heights as the annual Cleveland Browns Marion
Motley Scholarship recipients. Each student will receive
a four-year, $2,500 renewable scholarship to attend
college. The Cleveland Browns Foundation established
the Marion Motley Scholarship in 2005 through a
partnership with the Cleveland Scholarship Programs.
The program has awarded more than $120,000 in
scholarships and honors the legacy of Browns Hall of
Famer Marion Motley.
Heritage Hall Educational Program: In celebration
of the Cleveland Browns Heritage Hall and the recent
unveiling of the Ring of Honor, Northeast Ohio schools
were invited to tour the new space at Cleveland Browns
Stadium. Following the tour, an educational program
highlighting the Browns' heritage and history was
presented and students were treated to lunch.
Cleveland Metropolitan School District: The
Cleveland Browns support the Cleveland Metropolitan
School District (CMSD) through player involvement
and endorsements. That support is reflected in an
inspirational public service announcement featuring
the 3Rs: Rights, Responsibilities, Realities initiative,
which will be shown district-wide to students during
the 2010-2011 school year. The messages are tailored
toward setting goals and working hard to achieve them.
Browns players also support the school district’s Target
11 program, which discourages truancy and motivates
students to arrive at school on time.
An annual program, Principal for a Day, invites local
community and corporate leaders into the Cleveland
Metropolitan School District’s schools to experience
first-hand the strengths of CMSD and the decisions and
responsibilities that challenge principals on a daily basis.
In appreciation for the participants’ commitment to
our local schools, the Browns host a Principal for a Day
reception at Cleveland Browns Stadium following the
program.
During the 2010-2011 school year, more than 5,000 children in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District will receive free eye exams
through the Vision First program funded by the Cleveland Browns Foundation in partnership with Cleveland Clinic Cole Eye Institute.
YOUTh FOOTBALL
Cultivating Youth Football in Northeast Ohio
Grassroots Field Dedications: The Browns assisted with
the construction and renovation of two football stadiums in
Northeast Ohio through the National Football League/Local
Initiatives Support Corporation Grassroots Program. Cleveland
Central Catholic High School received a $200,000 grant, while
James F. Rhodes High School was awarded a $100,000 grant.
Browns players were on hand for ribbon-cutting ceremonies at
both sites, where they also met with members of the football
teams.
Lake High School: On June 5, a series of tornadoes devastated
several communities throughout Northwest Ohio. Lake High
School was severely damaged and lost all of its football facilities,
equipment and stadium.The Browns made a financial contribution
toward the school’s new football locker rooms, created a special
tribute during the August 21 preseason game where the Lake
High School football team served as the honorary American
flag holders. In addition, a Browns player made an anonymous
donation of practice gear.
Greater Cleveland Muny Football and Northeast Ohio Pop
Warner: The Greater Cleveland Muny Football and Northeast
Ohio Pop Warner leagues each received funding through
the Browns and the NFL as part of a helmet refurbishment
project. With the funding, hundreds of youth football players
throughout Northeast Ohio will be outfitted with helmets that
are up to date and safe.
Charity Game: The high school football season kicked off at
Cleveland Browns Stadium on August 28 as the Cleveland Browns
hosted the Charity Game. The 2010 doubleheader featured
match-ups between the St. Edward Eagles and Mentor Cardinals,
as well as the St. Ignatius Wildcats and Lake
Catholic Cougars, marking the 42nd year
of the Charity Game.
More than $500,000 in field refurbishment grants has been awarded to various Northeast Ohio football fields over the past five years.
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Celebrating the Rich Tradition of High School Football
Cleveland Browns High School Game of the Week,
Presented by Cleveland Clinic: Beginning in mid-August
and continuing throughout the season, the new program
brought together four panel members, including Dave
Chudowsky (WKYC), Matt Florjancic (ClevelandBrowns.com),
Mark “Munch” Bishop (WKNR) and Mike Snyder (WTAM)
who each nominated one game per week. Fans also had
the opportunity to vote and each Game of the Week was
covered by Browns reporters with highlights appearing on
ClevelandBrowns.com, as well as home game recognition.
High School Game of the Week Results
Aug. 28
Sept. 3
Sept. 10
Sept. 16
Sept. 24
Oct. 1
Oct. 8
Oct. 15
Oct. 22
Oct. 29
Nov. 5
Nov. 12
Nov. 19
Nov. 26
St. Edward 35, Mentor 28
North Ridgeville 42, Lakewood 28
Independence 42, Lutheran West 34
Perry 39, Orange 28
Maple Heights 35, Shaker Heights 0
Rocky River 44, Midview 30
Medina 55, Nordonia 21
Chagrin Falls 28, West Geauga 0
Olmsted Falls 17, Amherst 14
Beachwood 20, Hawken 19
Sandusky 42, Avon 35
Maple Heights 61, Sandusky 27
Lake Catholic 35, Ashland 28
Maple Heights 27, Lake Catholic 17
STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
Dec. 3
Maple Heights 45, Trotwood-Madison 33
Dec. 4
St. Edward 35, Wayne 28
Coach of the Week and Year: The Cleveland Browns Coach
of the Week program honored the winning coach from
each Cleveland Browns High School Game of the Week.
Each winning coach received $1,000 for his respective
high school football program. At the conclusion of the
high school season, the Browns proudly named Medina
Head Coach Larry Laird as the 2010 Cleveland Browns
High School Coach of the Year. Laird received an additional
$2,000 for the Medina football program.
In 2010, over one million votes were cast by fans participating in the Game of the Week program.
YOUTh FOOTBALL
Contributing to the Betterment of the Game
Cleveland Browns High School Player Development:
Throughout the months of June and July, nearly 1,500 high
school football players participated in the Cleveland Browns
High School Player Development program (HSPD), which took
place at four different locations throughout Northeast Ohio:
Archbishop Hoban High School (Summit County), BaldwinWallace College (Cuyahoga County), Canfield High School
(Mahoning County) and Canton GlenOak High School (Stark
County). The week-long program featured both on-field
instruction and off-field character development courses, which
provided each participant with insight of what is necessary to
become a successful collegiate student-athlete.
Regional and National 7-on-7 Tournaments: The Browns
hosted 10 high school 7-on-7 football teams during the
Cleveland Browns Regional HSPD tournament, held for the first
time at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Athletes who participated
in the HSPD program were selected for their performance both
on and off the field. Advancing from the Regional Tournament, 12
athletes were selected to represent the Browns at the National
7-on-7 Tournament. The Browns HSPD team enjoyed a successful
tournament, finishing the weekend with a 7-3 overall record and
an appearance in the AFC Championship Game.
Cleveland Browns High School Invitational: The Browns
hosted the inaugural Cleveland Browns High School Invitational
in late June. The 7-on-7 style tournament featured 15 teams from
Northern Ohio, who gathered for a one-day tournament at the
team’s Training Facility. The No. 1 seeded Olmsted Bulldogs ran
the table and capped off the day with a thrilling victory over the
Bedford Bearcats in the Championship Game.
Members of the Cleveland Browns National 7-on-7 team represented 11 local high schools and all six Ohio High
School Athletic Association football divisions.
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Cleveland Browns Youth Football Camp Presented by Medical
Mutual of Ohio: The 2010 Cleveland Browns Youth Football
Camp provided over 200 youths, ages 8-14, the opportunity
to participate in a week-long
camp on the same fields the
Browns practice on. In addition
to receiving first-class football
training, the campers also were
treated to guest appearances by
the 2010 Cleveland Browns rookie
class. The camp featured two sets
of curriculum, as younger campers
took part in the flag portion,
while the older participants
were part of the advanced skills
camp. Important life skills were also incorporated into daily camp
activities.
USA Football: USA Football is a NFL-endorsed, independent, nonprofit organization with an objective of developing youth, high
school and international amateur football. Browns programming,
in partnership with USA Football, included donating 4,000 tickets
to 69 youth football organizations for the USA Football Game of
the Month, August 21 Browns vs. Rams. Additionally, the Browns
welcomed nearly 200 youth football coaches for the annual USA
Football Coaching School. For the second consecutive year, the
Browns were represented on the USA Football All-Fundamentals
Team by Kick Returner Josh Cribbs, who was one of only 26 players
named to the 2010 team.
Cleveland Browns Punt, Pass & Kick: Nearly 150,000 participants,
ages 6-15, took part in the Cleveland Browns Punt, Pass & Kick
competition. Forty of those individuals qualified for the Team
Championship event, which took place at the Browns Training
Facility prior to the Browns vs. Panthers game on November
28. Grant Huffman of Aurora, Ohio, participating in the
8-9-year-old boys division and Grant Kersh, of Kent, Ohio,
participating in the 10-11-year-old boys division, advanced
to represent the Browns during the NFL Punt, Pass & Kick
National Finals in Atlanta, Georgia.
Future Stars Halftime Exhibition: During the season, several youth
football programs were given the unique opportunity to showcase
their talent in front of thousands of fans at Cleveland Browns Stadium
as part of the Cleveland Browns Future Stars program, presented by
Medical Mutual of Ohio. Taking part in the 2010 Cleveland Browns
Future Stars program were 120 athletes from Tiffin Little League
Football and Perry Youth Football. In addition to playing at halftime,
the teams were part of pregame activities, helping hold the American
flag during the National Anthem.
The Lou Groza Football League was created in 2010 to honor the legacy of the late Hall of Famer. More than 100 youth
football players took part in the inaugural season.
hEALTh & WELLNEss
Going Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness
Breast Cancer Awareness: Throughout the year the Browns
engaged in local awareness efforts and presented initiatives
unique to the Cleveland Browns.
In the spring, Browns representatives became designated Pink
Tie Guys as part of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Northeast
Ohio Affiliate campaign. By wearing a special Komen pink ribbon
tie at community events, the men hope to spark conversations
about the importance of early detection — the best protection
against breast cancer.
When the 2010 season kicked off, the Browns had a team in
the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure and also dedicated the
October 3 Browns vs. Bengals game as part of Breast Cancer
Awareness Month. Fans arriving at the game were greeted by
Zeta Tau Alpha (ZTA) volunteers who distributed THINK PINK
ribbons. There were also distinct changes on the field as pink
ribbon field stencils, goal post padding and field wall banners
emphasized support of the cause. Team officials, coaches and
players also wore pink gear. Breast cancer survivors, selected
through a nomination process of the local American Cancer
Society, formed the gauntlet for player introductions. The
Archbishop Hoban High
School football team,
who wore pink jerseys
during their season,
joined the Browns for
the presentation of the
American flag and
National Anthem.
As part of its community
service, the Browns
Women’s Organization
(BWO) unveiled its 2010 custom jerseys. Designed with pink
numbers and letters, the jerseys are symbolic of Breast Cancer
Awareness and were worn during the season by BWO members
during their outreach initiatives. Replicas of the jerseys were
available for purchase through an online auction to benefit the
local American Cancer Society.
Browns Pink Breast Cancer Awareness hats were available at the
Team Shop with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Cleveland
Clinic Breast Center and National Breast Cancer Foundation.
The Cleveland Browns have distributed more than 200,000 pink ribbons since the partnership with ZTA began in 2003!
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Offering Unique Experiences to Those Less Fortunate
Elite Game Access: During each 2010 home game
the Browns provided a select group of special needs
organizations a unique opportunity to invite children and
their families to be special guests. Their exclusive access
began with valet parking with the team and pre- game
festivities, which provided an up-close, sideline view of player
warm-ups. At kickoff, guests enjoyed the game in a custom
Browns luxury suite, tailored to their needs. This season, 72
young fans from 12 different special needs organizations
were guests of the Cleveland Browns.
Closed Practices: During June, seven local non profit
organizations were invited to attend one of the Browns
outdoor practice sessions, normally closed to the public. Over
the course of the month, these lucky Browns fans enjoyed
practice just a few feet away from the action and had the
chance to meet and obtain autographs from players. This
once-in-a-lifetime opportunity touched the lives of more
than 200 special children and families from the Cleveland
area.
Training Camp Presented by AT&T: As part of the Browns
“Community Corner,” more than 30 organizations were invited
to attend a team practice at the Training Facility in Berea
during August. Each guest received a commemorative T-shirt
and snacks. More than 1,200 children and chaperones were
touched by this memorable opportunity. At the end of each
practice, the coaching staff and players visited “Community
Corner.”
Family Day – Brown & White Scrimmage Presented by AT&T:
More than 500 children and chaperones were invited as special
guests to attend Family Day at Cleveland Browns Stadium. One
of the memorable opportunities included some of the guests
forming the gauntlet for player introductions while others
held the American flag during the National Anthem.
Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital: Browns rookies met
some of their most passionate and enthusiastic fans during
a memorable afternoon as they visited Cleveland Clinic
Children’s Hospital for rehabilitation for both indoor and
outdoor activities. Children who were unable to visit the
play areas due to their medical conditions received personal
room visits from the players.
This fall, ABC Television’s “Extreme Makeover Home Edition” featured the Anderson family of Maple Heights, elevating awareness of the obstacles
facing the disabled in our community. The Browns were proud to lend a hand in support of the family and those that they represent.
hEALTh & WELLNEss
Getting Fit and Healthy
Play 60 Presented by GlaxoSmithKline*: The Cleveland Browns
Play 60 movement encourages kids to be active and offers
exciting opportunities for schools and local communities to get
60 minutes of activity a day.
Through the NFL Back to Football Friday school campaign
launched in 2010, Parma Park Elementary School was crowned as
a Browns Super School and received a $10,000 NFL Play 60 health
and wellness grant. Browns players joined the school celebration
and spoke to the students about the importance of health and
wellness, education, making good decisions and respecting
their teachers. Following the school assembly, players helped
lead the Ultimate Gym Class, creating a memorable and lasting
impression.
Fitness Zones: Two Cleveland Browns Fitness Zones were
installed in Northeast Ohio to provide a safe place for kids and
families to have fun while developing a healthier lifestyle.
1) At Heskett Middle School, the Cleveland Browns partnered
with the American Dairy Association Mideast and the
Bedford City School District to install the first ENERGI system
in Ohio, which offers five stations and 120 exercises. The
new Fitness Zone area enhances the school curriculum and
the community resources available to those in the city of
Bedford. Through the teamwork of volunteers and support
from the school board, the permanent outdoor structure
has become a community asset.
2) The 12th Annual Hometown Huddle partnership of the
Cleveland Browns and United Way of Greater Cleveland
featured the installation of the largest play space created
by the effort to date. Created based on drawings by children
at Karamu House and through financial assistance from
Cleveland Clinic, the 2,900 square foot space offers swings,
slides, vertical wave steps, garden boxes and more! More
than 250 volunteers from the Cleveland Browns, United Way
of Greater Cleveland, Cleveland Clinic and Karamu House,
as well as organizers from KaBOOM! and residents of the
local community helped make the Play 60 effort possible.
*GlaxoSmithKline helped develop and provides funding and editorial support for the Cleveland Browns Play 60 program.
Children recorded more than 20,000 hours of exercise through the Cleveland Browns Play 60 Challenge.
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Did You Know?
• TheClevelandBrownsPlay60Challenge,inassociationwith the American
Heart Association, GlaxoSmithKline, Medical Mutual of Ohio, Cleveland
Clinic, the American Dairy Association Mideast and Fuel Up to Play 60,
helps motivate 7th and 8th grade students from Northeast Ohio schools to
be physically active for 60 minutes each day. Students compete for coveted
prizes including game-day field recognition, with the top school earning a
visit from Cleveland Browns players. Competing schools were also offered
the FitnessGram program to help guide and enhance their ongoing efforts.
• Students at the Cleveland Metropolitan School District got active in an
unconventional way as a 32-foot Rock Wall and High Ropes course was
raised in downtown Cleveland through Play 60.
• ChompsunderwentahealthyrejuvenationandhisPlay60activitiescan
be seen on his custom DVD. His transformation was tracked by children
nationwide at NFLRUSH.com.
• Recognizing the importance of good nutrition and physical activity in
combating childhood obesity, the American Dairy Association Mideast and
Cleveland Browns teamed up for a student summit this fall as part of the
Fuel Up to Play 60 school wellness program, a partnership between the
National Dairy Council and the National Football League. Students from
16Cleveland-areaschoolsjoinedBrownsOffensiveTackleJoeThomasfor
an activity-filled day designed to empower them to make their school a
healthier place through Fuel Up to Play 60.
Nearly 33,000 children participated in the Cleveland Browns Play 60 initiatives this year.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
An Organization That Believes in Compassion
Cleveland Browns Foundation: The Cleveland Browns
Foundation is proud of the impact its programs have in support
of children in the Greater Cleveland area ranging from installing
Fitness Zones and supporting youth football programs, to the
unique services and opportunities provided by Vision First
and Tickets for Kids. To learn more about the Foundation’s
efforts or upcoming fundraisers, including the Cleveland
Browns Foundation Golf Outing at Firestone Country Club, visit
ClevelandBrowns.com.
Browns Backers Worldwide: Browns Backers
Worldwide (BBW) is one of the largest organized
fan clubs in all of professional sports with more
than 340 chapters worldwide. The BBW is a
non-profit organization that actively supports
and promotes the Cleveland Browns.
Forty-three clubs participated in the annual, month-long, BBW
Foundation Fundraiser in 2010 by hosting special events to raise
funds for the Cleveland Browns Foundation.
Over the last six years, the Cleveland Browns Foundation has
donated more than $36,000 to aid BBW clubs’ charitable efforts
through an annual Grant Competition. The 2010 recipients
include:
• TheBrownsBackersofPhiladelphia,PennsylvaniaandTurning
Points for Children, which provides programs that assist
children of families that are struggling due to economic and
environmental issues.
• The Browns Backers of Jamestown, New York and St. Susan
Center, a soup kitchen that provides meals for those less
fortunate.
• The Firefighters Browns Backers of Westlake, Ohio and the
Muscular Dystrophy Association, which helps families dealing
with neuromuscular diseases through their clinic, support
groups, equipment purchases, resource referrals and summer
camps.
Browns Backers clubs volunteer their
time and resources in support of their
local communities throughout the year.
In 2010, clubs hosted golf tournaments,
cook-offs, corn-hole tournaments, fish
fries, duck races, banquets, tailgate
parties, fundraisers, toy and food drives,
and college scholarship programs to
raise funds for the groups and organizations they support.
The Browns Foundation has provided $120,000 in scholarships to students seeking higher education.
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A History of Caring
Alumni Relations: Since the team was founded in 1946, the Cleveland Browns and
Browns alumni share a long history of giving back to the community. In 1949, the
Browns donated the proceeds from their first preseason game to help aid the Cleveland
Zoo. Over the years our alumni have made thousands of appearances on behalf of area
organizations and charities, including 4,847 since 1999 and 453 in 2010 alone.
Browns alumni have also given back financially through their own charitable foundations
such as Jim Brown’s Amer-I-Can Foundation, Eric Metcalf’s 21daful Foundation, the Eddie
Johnson Memorial Foundation, the Barry Stokes Foundation and many more. The Doug
Dieken Foundation helps fund one of the most anticipated and attended events on the
alumni calendar, the annual Special Olympics event at the Casey Coleman Fieldhouse
in Berea. On that day over 800 athletes and coaches come out to compete in several
football-related activities while alumni sign autographs for all athletes in attendance.
Another popular alumni program is the Summer Charity Golf Tour, which spans Ohio from
Toledo to Youngstown to Marietta. In 2010, Browns alumni participated in 27 charity golf
tournaments, raising funds for Easter Seals, United Way, Boys & Girls Club, Ed Keating
Center, Berea Rotary International and many others.
Browns alumni involvement with charitable organizations and events is estimated to
have helped raise more than $1.5 million in 2010 and has allowed former players to
provide off-field support to the people and communities that once supported them on
the field.
The Cleveland Browns strive to enrich community endeavors through our focus
areas of citizenship, education, health & wellness and youth football. Through
tangible donations to non-profit organizations, the Browns demonstrate their
commitment and dedication to improving the quality of life in Northeast Ohio
and assisting those in need. To learn more about the Cleveland Browns and their
community efforts, visit ClevelandBrowns.com/community.
In 2010, the Alumni Relations department also helped unveil Heritage Hall, a 4,600 square
foot display highlighting the rich heritage of the Cleveland Browns.
Over 25 Browns alumni annually support the United Way of Greater Cleveland Celebrity Golf Outing.
COMMUNITY OUTREACh DEPARTMENT
76 Lou Groza Boulevard
Berea, OH 44017
440.891.5000
CLEVELANDBROWNS.COM COMMUNITY