YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Rich Center for Autism at Youngstown State University recently received a $6,450 donation to assist with supplies, equipment and other necessities.

The funds were raised through several efforts, including a golf outing May 3 at Flying B Golf Course in Salem. The event paid tribute to Victor Pappas and was organized by his family.

During the golf outing, a $6,200 check was presented to The Rich Center. Funds from the event were combined with funds raised by the Salem Area Browns Backers through raffles, chili cook-offs and other efforts throughout the 2024 Cleveland Browns football season at Oasis Golf & Sports Bar. Through additional donors, the total amount of the donation increased to $6,450.

“I’m absolutely amazed at what this family accomplished as a tribute to Victor and at their generosity toward The Rich Center,” said Jake Ellis, Rich Center coordinator. “I personally know how difficult and intense planning a fundraising event like this can be, and they did it brilliantly.”

Elaine Pappas, Victor’s mother, contacted The Rich Center at the start of the 2024 NFL season. She, along with her son Andy and his wife, Meghan Ritchie, teamed up with Jeff Good of the Salem Area Browns Backers to plan a way to pay tribute to Victor while supporting a cause that was important to him and Browns Backers Worldwide, a nonprofit organization that supports the Cleveland Browns through community engagement and service. Victor had an interest in supporting those affected by autism, and the group decided that raising funds for The Rich Center would be a great way to honor him while supporting those in need of assistance.

“As a nonprofit, donations like this keep our center moving in a positive direction. This donation will be used to assist with classroom supplies, sensory room equipment, stocking our Care Closet and various other necessities that our center requires on a regular basis,” Ellis said. “I can’t express my gratitude and thanks to Victor’s family, friends and the Salem Area Browns Backers enough for all coming together in his memory to support a great cause.”

Pictured at top: From left are Meghan Ritchie, Andy Pappas, Elaine Pappas, Jake Ellis and Jeff Good.