Brown’s Ward Hosts Event for Cleveland Kidnapping Victims

Since the courageous victims of the Cleveland kidnapping were found, the Midwest city has come together and “The Boss”#43 has decided to join the community’s efforts.

T.J. Ward, of the Browns is currently finishing OTAs but decided to do something pretty outstanding with his foundation. Tonight (May 31st), Ward will host “The Celebrity Cleveland Cares Fundraiser,” benefiting Gina DeJesus, Michelle Knight and Amanda Berry.

TJ spoke with Pro Player Insiders’  Theresa Villano to explain his reasons behind hosting this event.

“Although I have not spoken to any of the families, I did reach out to them when it first happened. Originally, I offered them game tickets. But I didn’t feel that was enough, so this event is another way to help them indirectly.”

Ward went on to say, “The entire situation struck me and what they went through.(I thought about)how hard it would be for them to deal with the aftermath…to get back on their feet and get their lives together. It stuck me because I’m here in Cleveland and I know that area. This city is supportive, I thought it would be a good way to give back as well.”

Ward, alongside co-hosts Jacob Wallace and Terry Travis, has invited his teammates and media/entertainment icons.

“A few of my teammates will be there bartending with local celebrities. My boy Joe Hadan. Also, some new guys Chris Owens, Quinton Groves, Phil Taylor, and Johnson Bademosi. There will be a lot of guys there,” Ward said.

Complete List of Celebrity bartenders include:  TJ Ward, Joe Haden, Johnson Bademosi (Browns), Andre Knott (WEWS-TV Sports ABC), Pamela Osbourne (Reporter TV-WKYC NBC), Allen Colón (KISS FM), Anthony Lima (92.3 The Fan), Jenice Contreras (Hispanic Business Center) Chad Zumock (Scene Magazine), Stephanie Coueignoux (Reporter TV-WKYC NBC), Haz Mathews (WZAK), Ciarra Nelson (Reporter TV-20), Denise Polverine (Cleveland.com) & Cavs Girls. All serving to raise money to support the Cleveland Courage Fund, which directly benefits futures of  Gina, Michelle, Amanda and her daughter.

The Cleveland Domestic Violence Center will also be at the event to provide attendees with information and discussing ways to prevent situations like this from happening again.

As far as football goes, Ward is concentrating on preparing for the season. “I have been focused on OTA’s. We had workouts for six weeks before OTAs and now we are in the third week. Then we go into mini camp. We have been doing on the field activities and in the meeting room.”

When asked about having Hall of Famer, Jim Brown, back in the facility Ward said, “ I haven’t seen him yet. It’s pretty wonderful to have him in the building. He left when I first started here, which was kind of disappointing. But I am glad to have him back and taking on the role that he is.”

The way OTA’s are looking, both Pro Player Insiders and “The Boss” agree that the projected outlook of the Brown’s season could be a 20-0 record (including preseason)…ok maybe 19-1 is pretty reasonable. Either way the Ward and the Dawg Pound are on the right track on the turf and in the community

EVENT Information:

Tonight, May 31, 2013 

8p – 12a 

House of Blues, Cambridge room

308 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44114

Tickets $20

It’s not too late for the community and NFL fans to support these efforts. Tickets will be available in advance at www.clevelandcaresevent.com and at the door. Local and national tax-deductible donations are also accepted to support the Cleveland Cares effort if you are unable to attend at www.clevelandcaresevent.com.

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