Browns tight end Austin Hooper hosts watch party at Heartland Church

MEDINA TWP. — The COVID-19 pandemic has taken its toll on foster families and children throughout Ohio, but Cleveland Browns tight end Austin Hooper wanted to give them an afternoon of fun, food and football. Hooper teamed up with OhioGuidestone, one of the largest behavioral health agencies in the state, to host a drive-in watch party for about 25 of the agency's foster families Sunday at Heartland Community Church. The families watched the Browns' 16-6 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders on a big screen from the privacy of their cars and had lunch courtesy of Arby's. Donors for the event were Heartland Community Church, JoJo Carlonis, Arby's, Ghostlight Productions and Nothing Bundt Cakes. It was similar to an event last summer with ex-Indians relief pitcher Brad Hand. According to OhioGuidestone's Director of Foster Care Debora Gault, the pandemic has impacted her staff's ability to place children with foster parents. "Many foster parents are worried a new child may come into their homes with the virus," she said. "Several are also trying to navigate virtual school for the kids they currently have in their homes. COVID further complicates already difficult and overwhelming situations, especially for children who are working through other trauma." The Austin Hooper Foundation supports foster children, especially those aging out of the system as that is the age when they become most vulnerable to homelessness, human trafficking and a host of other threats. "Our goal is to help these kids find their passion and a career to be productive members of society," Hooper said in a statement. "When you help children, everyone wins." Hooper was inactive for Sunday's game and is recovering from an appendectomy. The event put a spotlight on the foster care system and the struggles facing it during this global health crisis. There are currently more than 16,000 children in Ohio's foster care system. Information on Hooper's Foundation can be found at www.theaustinhooperfoundation.org.