FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (September 15, 2014) – For the fourth consecutive year, the Kraft family and the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation will Celebrate Volunteerism. Throughout the season, the foundation will team with numerous nonprofit organizations, educate fans about the need for volunteering, highlight deserving volunteers in the region and seek to inspire Patriots fans to become lifelong volunteers.
Each week throughout the season the Kraft family and foundation will focus on different volunteer areas and highlight various nonprofit organizations based around each theme. As part of Community Tuesdays, Patriots players can be found in the community each week at events based around the weekly focus. New England Patriots players, coaches, alumni, cheerleaders and the team mascot, Pat Patriot, will be actively involved in the initiative throughout the year.
Celebrate Volunteerism activities will include the announcement of the weekly "Patriots Difference Maker" award, which recognizes deserving volunteers on www.patriots.com/community and in Patriots Football Weekly. These outstanding individuals go above and beyond to support local nonprofit organizations. Fans are encouraged to nominate a "Patriots Difference Maker" all season long at www.patriots.com/community.
"Volunteerism is at the heart of giving back and bettering our communities. This year, we will continue to honor and thank the many deserving volunteers in our region that are often not recognized for their valuable contributions," said Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft. "Through this initiative, we hope to inspire Patriots fans to make a difference and become lifelong volunteers."
The Celebrate Volunteerism initiative encourages Patriots fans to personally go out into the community and make a difference by pledging volunteer hours. Throughout the 2014 season, Patriots fans can visit www.patriots.com/community, pledge volunteer hours and print an official Patriots Celebrate Volunteerism certificate. Fans are able to submit photos holding their Celebrate Volunteerism certificate while participating in their volunteer work to CharitableEvents@patriots.com. These photos will be featured on www.patriots.com/community and www.facebook.com/NEPCF.
For more information about the Celebrate Volunteerism initiative, including resources and information about volunteering, the "Patriots Difference Maker" award and to join the Celebrate Volunteerism movement by pledging volunteer hours, visit www.patriots.com/community.
PATRIOTS CHARITABLE FOUNDATION'S CELEBRATE VOLUNTEERISM WEEKLY SCHEDULE:
Week | Volunteerism Weekly Focus
September 14 | Youth Volunteerism
September 21 | Exercise and Healthy Eating Volunteerism
September 28 | Education Volunteerism
October 5 | Healthcare Volunteerism
October 12 | Arts and Music Volunteerism
October 19 | Sports Volunteerism
October 26 | Mentoring Volunteerism
November 2 | Animals Volunteerism
November 9 | Special Needs Volunteerism
November 16 | Military Volunteerism
November 23 | Hunger Awareness Volunteerism
November 30 | Bullying, Domestic Violence and Drug Prevention Volunteerism
December 7 | Holiday Giving Volunteerism
December 14 | Homelessness Volunteerism
December 21 | Senior Advocacy Volunteerism
December 28 | Celebrate Volunteerism Celebration
ABOUT THE NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS CHARITABLE FOUNDATION
The New England Patriots Charitable Foundation is the nonprofit organization established by the Kraft family in 1994 to support charitable and philanthropic agencies throughout New England. This support comes in the form of direct grants and the donation of signed memorabilia to charitable causes, and from Patriots players who offer their direct support by appearing at charity functions throughout the year. The Foundation's primary goal is to support programs that aid the youth and families of the New England region by assisting programs that foster cultural diversity, education, family and health. The Foundation has taken special interest in youth programs that encourage education, creativity and development of character.
