Sports stats



AFL Cleveland Gladiators

Dutton Named Week 10 National Guard Community MVP

May 11, 2012 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Cleveland Gladiators News Release


CLEVELAND -Cleveland QB JOHN DUTTON has been named National Guard Community MVP of the Week for his recent philanthropic efforts, the Arena Football League announced, today. Dutton (6-4, 230, Nevada-Reno) is in his 12th season in the AFL and his third with the Gladiators.

He and his wife are the founders of "Heavenly Hope Ministries," which began in 2005 and supports children in Africa in a variety of ways. The ministry owns three orphanages and also supports a family sponsorship program that helps to fund struggling families' basic needs so that they can remain intact.

Dutton's personal program is called "Athletes for the Nations" and it includes three components. First, Dutton tries to bring professional athletes to Africa in hopes they can use their resources and influence to help. "These NFL and NBA guys have a lot of money but they also have a huge platform," Dutton said. "So my goal is to get those guys to go on trips with me to see first-hand what's going on around the world." The second component is the "JD Touchdown Club." Dutton encourages fans and the community to sponsor him by making a donation for every touchdown he scores. The club has raised $2,825 to date. "Not everyone has the financial means to just write a check and go across the world," Dutton said. "This is a great way for those people to help." The final component expands on the JD Touchdown Club idea. Any athlete, at any level, can reach out to the community by requesting donations for goals, touchdowns, runs scored etc. All of the proceeds go to the Heavenly Hope Ministries.

"I had an 8-year old boy playing soccer and he made $450 just by scoring goals," Dutton said. "We're going to play sports, we might as well make a difference."

Last year, the ministry raised approximately $300,000 total. Dutton has gone to visit Africa each of the past six years and has plans to go on two more visits this year after the season.

Dutton and his wife have adopted two of their sons, Solomon and Miki, from Africa.

"We just know the importance of going, visiting and providing for these kids and families," Dutton said. "Our hearts are in Africa."

The Cleveland Gladiators (4-3) face the Milwaukee Mustangs (3-4) tonight at 8:00 pm ET on "NET10 Arena Football Friday" on NFL Network.

The National Guard Community MVP is awarded to one player each week in recognition of their commitment to community service. Following the 2012 season, players will be voted on by fans to become the National Guard Community MVP of the Year.

The Cleveland Gladiators are part of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Quicken Loans Arena organization and also owned by a group led by Cavaliers Majority Owner and Quicken Loans Founder and Chairman Dan Gilbert. The group also owns and operates the Lake Erie Monsters of the American Hockey League playing at Quicken Loans Arena and the Canton Charge of the NBA Development League playing in nearby Canton, Ohio at the Canton Civic Center.

Gladiators tickets are on sale now and start as low as just $13 per seat! For tickets, call 216.420.2222, visit www.clevelandgladiators.com or any Northeast Ohio Discount Drug Mart location.

• Discuss this story on the Arena Football League message board...

Arena Football League Stories from May 11, 2012


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central