CLEVELAND — Diehard Cleveland Browns fan "Face Paint Mike" uses the Muni Lot to collect donations for local kids in need.

What You Need To Know

  • "Face Paint Mike" has been tailgating for more than 30 years 

  • Mike Bonnell got his love for the team after attending a Browns vs. Steelers game

  • Scott Nunnari has also been tailgating for nearly 30 years 

  • Nunnari and Bonnell have collected school supplies and donations for the last eight years in the Muni Lot

"Face Paint Mike" got his name after painting his face brown and orange for years.

Mike Bonnell grew up in a home where sports weren’t the highlight of the night.

“I was an underprivileged child, so there were six of us kids in the house and we only had one TV,” said Bonnell. “So we watched what my mom and dad watched.”

After attending a Browns-Steelers game, Bonnell gained a love for the team and has been supporting them ever since. Considering his past, Mike chooses to give back to children the best he can.

“Kids do not control the environment they're brought in to," Bonnell said. "I believe it takes a village to raise a child and I'm just doing my part.”

Outside his tailgate party, a small box with a sign on it explains how to donate. 

In addition to physical supplies, Bonnell is collecting monetary donations to purchase school supplies.