The Episcopal Diocese of Ohio hosted a Super Bowl party at Trinity Cathedral in Cleveland for 100 men from Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry’s Men’s Shelter at 2100 Lakeside on Sunday, February 2.

The guests and volunteers enjoyed the game and a delicious Super Bowl menu of chicken wings, nachos, hot dogs, and chili catered by The Elegant Difference and Chef Marcie Anderson. While watching the action projected on a 16’ screen, the men participated in a free raffle drawing which included gift cards and a Cleveland Browns jersey autographed by Jarvis Landry and donated by the Browns Foundation. Every guest received an orange stocking cap with “Cleveland” embroidered in brown to pay homage to our hometown team.

“This spirited event was a natural collaboration between the Diocese, the Men’s Shelter, and The Elegant Difference, three longtime partners in serving the community. Trinity Cathedral, in its role as a gathering place for the city, was the obvious place to host it,” said the Rt. Rev. Mark Hollingsworth, Jr., Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Ohio. “I am particularly grateful to Angelo Anderson, a facilitator at the Men’s Shelter at 2100 Lakeside, Marcie Anderson and Evonne Falkner of The Elegant Difference, and Corrinne Wallner of our Cathedral staff for coordinating this wonderful evening of football, food, and fellowship.”

The event was inspired by Super Soul, an organization in New York City which has held Super Bowl parties for the homeless for the last three years. Rabbi Meir Kalmanson has encouraged people across the country to host those who are homeless for Super Bowl viewings and parties. The Diocese of Ohio and Super Soul collaborated to provide bags for the guests that included socks, gloves, toothbrushes, toothpaste, tissues, energy bars, and a Browns, Indians, or Cavaliers baseball cap.

“This event was really important for the men to experience,” said Mr. Anderson. “It was important for them to have a form of normalcy. You don’t usually think of those who are homeless being able to go to a Super Bowl party. They were very grateful and upbeat. They really had a great time.”