Six partners donated computer equipment via Indians Partner MCPc to go to students in need

Cleveland, OH— The Cleveland Indians today announced that the second annual CIC Giveathon, presented by Kaulig Giving, raised over $235 thousand to help bridge the technological digital divide in Northeast Ohio that became even more unfavorable during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

The generous donations from Cleveland Indians fans, partners and team will be split between Cleveland Metropolitan School District, Breakthrough Schools, Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio and Cleveland Indians Charities to help advance their technological capabilities, allowing more digital connectivity, education and after school programs.

The second annual Giveathon took place during the Cleveland Indians home game against the Detroit Tigers on August 21 and featured multiple opportunities for fans to contribute. A special game telecast produced by SportsTime Ohio and simulcast on WKYC was led by Kaulig Companies Chairman, Matt Kaulig, and focused on the digital divide needs that the Giveathon beneficiaries have as they try to bridge the digital divide.

Kaulig Companies began the day of giving with a generous donation of $25,000 which was immediately matched by Cleveland Indians Manager Terry Francona, with an additional $25,000.

"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," said Jeff Scott, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio. "This 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."

Indians players and their wives contributed to the Giveathon by holding the 2020 Wives Auction, which featured players’ game-used equipment, favorite things baskets and more. The Wives Auction contributed over $22,000 to the final donation total.

In addition to monetary donations, Cleveland Indians business partners Accellis Tech Group, Applied Industrial Technologies, Energy Harbor, Meritech, Sherwin-Williams and UHC Construction Services have committed to equipment donations through MCPc’s Community Innovation Partners (CIP). CIP is a 501c3 non-profit that develops, funds and manages novel technology solutions that stimulate civic, social and educational improvement in under-connected communities, along with providing these individuals with critical devices, internet connectivity and technical support.

The 2019 Giveathon, which was the first of the new Cleveland tradition, raised over $190 thousand and focused on supporting Youth Baseball initiatives in Northeast Ohio.