Close to 700 guests were on hand for the 23rd annual Deck the House fundraiser presented by the Cleveland Browns to benefit Providence House.

Each year, Deck the House brings the sights, sounds and joy of the holiday season to First Energy Stadium, home of the Cleveland Browns.

Guests gathered in the City View Lounge to mix, mingle and shop! The festive evening included an expansive live and silent auction, a performance by the North Coast Men’s Chorus, a deluxe holiday themed buffet dinner, dessert, cocktails and more.

Andrea Vecchio served as emcee, Josh and Maria Cribbs served as honorary chairs and Barbara Ragon served as chair of the event.

Browns Defensive Back Terrance Mitchell received the Ed Block Courage Award.

The lounge was decorated with themed Christmas trees, including one with stuffed teddy bears which are symbolic of Providence House, a Cleveland Indians and Cleveland Browns themed tree, and more.

With a commitment to protecting children and preserving families, Providence House fights to end child abuse and neglect. They do so by protecting at-risk children, empowering fragile families in crisis and building safer communities for every child.

The vision of Providence House, which was founded by Sister Hope Greener more than 30 years ago, is that children everywhere are raised in safe, loving families free from abuse and neglect. Providence House cares for hundreds of children annually. STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY SUE REID

Marisa Pocci Carney and Karen Cave

Bonnie Chapman and Beverly Morad

Holly Harris, Natalie Leek-Nelson, and David, Mary, Scott and Mary Abigail Fitz

Megan Lane, Rachel Mancuso and Olivia Fallon

Kayla Manney, Nick Jones, Lindsey Homa and Erin Moore

Heather Oliveira and Caitlin Magner