NFL Star Announces Touchdown Challenge for Education



Cleveland Browns star wide receiver Braylon Edwards (http://www.BraylonEdwards.com) plans to score big, both on and off the field, for more than 4,000 homeless students.

Edwards recently announced that he'sll donate $1,000 to the Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) Project ACT (Action for Children and youth in Transition) program, in exchange for every touchdown catch he makes this season.

All children deserve to receive a quality education, says Edwards, founder of the Braylon Edwards Foundation, which provides academic scholarships and philanthropic support to youth. It'ss vitally important that we, as citizens and community leaders, recognize the need to support those who are hindered by circumstances of basic survival when they leave class each day. When I learned that there were more than 4,000 homeless students in the Cleveland District, I knew I had to help out.

The District is fortunate to have the resources of Project ACT available to our CMSD families in transition, says Dr. Eugene T. W. Sanders, Cleveland School'ss CEO. Project ACT has made it possible for our students to continue their education, in spite of difficult circumstances. Braylon Edwards continues to impact education for Cleveland students in a big way and we are appreciative of his efforts.

A Pro Bowl receiver, Edwards caught 80 passes last year, setting Cleveland Browns season records for both receiving yards (1,289) and touchdown receptions (16). Off the field, the player, through his foundation, has also put up impressive figures with his ADVANCE 100 education initiative, through which he plans to award $1 million in scholarships to 100 Cleveland District students, who'sve committed to academic excellence, good citizenship and community service. The Braylon Edwards Foundation (http://www.BraylonEdwards.com) has also sponsored and supported programs including Helmets for High Schools and the Definition of Greatness Essay Contest for youth.

Including such resources as a 24-hour help hotline, tutoring assistance and school transportation vouchers, Project ACT works to aid youth residing in 17 Cleveland-area emergency and transitional housing shelters.

Edwards says his planned donations will give new meaning to an old expression that fits the needs of homeless students.

They say that home is where the heart is, adds the receiver. I want the Project ACT youth to know that my heart is with them every time I score on that field.

For more information, visit the Web site at www.BraylonEdwards.com (http://www.BraylonEdwards.com). Media may contact Sandra Ware at (248) 417-2709 for inquiries.





NFL Star Announces Touchdown Challenge for Education