In 2022, Cincinnati Bengals center Ted Karras released the Cincy Hat and saw it take the fanbase by storm. While the hats were stylish, the mission behind them made it all the easier to support the cause.
Proceeds from the sale of the hats, shirts and other merchandise go directly to The Village of Merici, which provides independent living for adults with disabilities. The organization has helped countless people in Indiana find housing, become involved in a community and even find a job.
After two years of growth in Indianapolis, Karras is now working with his business development group, Paradigm, to bring the same support to those in need near Cincinnati.
Great: Bengals center Ted Karras and his business development group Paradigm receive approval from the city of Harrison, Ohio, to build an independent living community for adults with disabilities.
The ripple effects of @CincyHat Continue to help change lives. pic.twitter.com/DBGvcJVBTt
– Charlie Clifford (@char_cliff) 14 August 2024
The Harrison City Council approved the plans on Tuesday, giving Karras and the group permission to move forward with the work. No estimated timeline has been released yet.
Karras was nominated by the Bengals as the 2023 Walter Payton Man of the Year for his work with The Cincy Hat and won $35,000 for the charity last season by receiving the most votes via social media.
Visit TheCincyHat.com to find all the merchandise, information about the cause, and where you can donate if you’d like.
In just a few weeks, you’ll see Cincy hats all over Paycor Stadium, and each one has had a direct impact on how Karras now engages with the community in which he plays.
