Cleveland Browns alumnus Andrew Hawkins returns to First Energy Stadium for his annual Christmas Tak
The students were simply told that they were going on a field trip to First Energy Stadium (home of the Cleveland Browns) for a pizza lunch and a chance to meet some of the Cleveland Browns players. Little did they know the surprise waiting for them. After lunch, all of the various classes from 1st to 6th grade were gathered as a drawing was held for one lucky winner from each grade. Each student who won received a huge bag of Christmas gifts designed for their age and grade.
It was then that Cleveland Browns alumnus WR Andrew Hawkins did the big reveal as part of his fourth annual Christmas Takeover for Breakthrough School, EPrep and Village Prep Willard students. Large panels were removed showing a mountain of gift bags destined to be awarded to the 200 eagerly gathered students. Screams of delight could be heard all up and down the lake front.
Once the gift bags were distributed, the teachers were brought up and given presents as well for the exemplary job they do in teaching their students.
Along with WR Andrew Hawkins members of the Cleveland Browns took their day off to help during the lunch and gift distribution that included: LB B.J. Bello,LB James Burgess Jr., WR Rashard Higgins, LS Charley Hughlett, RB Duke Johnson Jr., LB Deon King, OL Marcus Martin, DL Carl Nassib, TE Randall Telfer, WR Josh Gordon and Cleveland Browns Mascot Chomps.
The Hawkins’ holiday event was a complete surprise for the students who were recognized for their hard work during this school year. Papa John’s generously donated the pizza for the event.
This event is just one of the Cleveland Browns “10 Days of Giving” that they participate from December 5 through 14. Cleveland Browns players, coaches and staff hold various special events as well as making special contributions to various organizations during the holiday season.
Last year, the Hawkins’ event surprised students and teachers from the Cleveland College Preparatory School that had Cleveland Browns players as well as Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams and members of the Cleveland Police Department in attendance.
In 2015 the event benefitted 150 deserving youth from the 17 wards through the Cleveland Recreation Centers as well as a special visit to the Cleveland Christian Home. In its inaugural year Hawkins and Cleveland Browns alumnus WR Miles Austin paid a visit to Walton Investment School where they distributed school supplies educational gifts and a check to the school in order to purchase a new computer lab.
Browns staff members will also #give10 through First and Ten as they shop for and wrap gifts, as well as volunteer throughout the winter festivities at FirstEnergy Stadium. Arby’s, a Browns partner, will also donate food for the event.
Through Browns Give Back, the Cleveland Browns are dedicated to #give10 through the team’s First and Ten initiative. Launched in June 2014, the Cleveland Browns First and Ten campaign is the team’s community program, established to inspire fans to volunteer in and help their communities throughout the world by volunteering for 10 hours each year. Through First and Ten, the Browns are the only NFL club to promote a long-term volunteering program that unifies the team and its entire fan base, with the goal of impacting every individual’s city across the globe, as well as the franchise’s local community. All Browns fans are encouraged to join the volunteering effort by signing the First and Ten pledge on the team’s website and by sharing their stories with #give10. For more information, visitClevelandBrowns.com/brownsgiveback.