FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (September 12, 2016) - For the sixth consecutive year, the Kraft family and the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation will Celebrate Volunteerism. Throughout the 2016 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.
New England Patriots players, coaches, alumni, cheerleaders and the team mascot, Pat Patriot, will be actively involved in the initiative throughout the year. As part of Community Tuesdays, Patriots players can be found in the community each week giving back to children and families.
"We are excited to have kicked off a new season on the field, but we are also excited to begin another season of celebrating volunteerism in the community," said Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft. "Each year, current and former players make more than 500 appearances in the New England community. From building playgrounds to visiting schools and hospitals, they understand the value of giving back and I am very proud of their commitment to serving those in need."
Every week throughout the season, the Foundation will present the "Patriots Difference Maker of the Week" award, which recognizes deserving volunteers who go above and beyond to support their local community and nonprofit organizations. Fifteen individuals will be named Patriots Difference Makers throughout the season. They will each be recognized in print materials, including Patriots Football Weekly and Patriots GameDay magazine. They will also be recognized during a special ceremony at the Patriots final regular season home game against the New York Jets on December 24. Fans are encouraged to nominate a "Patriots Difference Maker" by visiting www.patriots.com/community.
For more information about the Celebrate Volunteerism initiative, including pictures and videos of Patriots players giving back to the community, resources and information about volunteering, or the "Patriots Difference Maker of the Week" award, visit www.patriots.com/community.
About The New England Patriots Charitable Foundation
The New England Patriots Charitable Foundation is the nonprofit organization established by Robert Kraft 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.
