CLEVELAND — The Indians have announced their second annual Cleveland Indians Charities Givathon, presented by Kaulig Giving, raised over $235,000 to help close Northeast Ohio's digital divide among the youth.
Donations from Tribe fans, partners, and the team will be divided between the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, Breakthrough Schools, Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio, and CIC to enhance their technological capabilities and lead tot more digital connectivity, education and after school programs, according to a press release from the Indians.
Local Boys & Girls Clubs CEO Jeff Scott said:
"On behalf of the kids we serve, our heartfelt thanks go out to Cleveland Indians Charities, Kaulig Giving and all those who donated to this important cause. his gift will help close the digital divide for our kids, some of whom live in neighborhoods where 70% of the homes are without Internet access. It will allow us to establish more than a dozen ClubSmart Learning Centers across Northeast Ohio, places where kids will have access to high-speed Internet, computers and proctors to help them with their online school work. The Cleveland Indians and Kaulig Giving have been great partners, and we are humbled by the outpouring of support during this Giveathon."
The second annual event took place last Thursday during the Indians' home game against the Detroit Tigers, and featured multiple opportunities for fan involvement. Matt Kaulig, Kaulig Companies Chairman, led a special game telecast produced by SportsTime Ohio and simulcast on Channel 3 that focused on the digital divide needs that the Giveathon beneficiaries are facing. The issues have only elevated during the ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic.
Indians partners Accellis Tech Group, Applied Industrial Technologies, Energy Harbor, Meritech, Sherwin-Williams and UHC Construction Services have agreed to contribute computer equipment on, in addition to monetary donations, via MCPc, a 501c3 non-profit that develops, funds and manages novel technology solutions that stimulate civic, social and educational improvement in communities hit hardest by the digital divide.
The inaugural 2019 Giveathon raised ovr to help raise er $190,000 and focused on supporting Youth Baseball initiatives in Northeast Ohio. WKYC Studios was prod to partner in both events, and even hosted a one-hour "digithon" this year to help raise awareness.
