Champions of Generosity
World Champions AGAIN!
The New England Patriots’ six Super Bowl rings may be historic and awe-inspiring, but in this time of greatest need, they are surpassed by a new title: World Champions of Generosity. The NFL’s most charitable foundation never fails to lead with big vision and deep humanity. Their #TogetherWhileApart campaign has three focus areas: “stepping up for those in need, supporting healthcare workers and first responders, and staying home for each other.” And in Patriots tradition, they execute each with excellence and as one team -- united in service to others.
1. Earlier this week, we were filled with pride to see 2018 Service Hero & beloved champion Donna Spigarolo on WBZ (our media partner!). Modeling social distancing and health protocols, Donna reflected on a joint effort of the Patriots, Kraft Family, and Gillette Stadium to support families at risk of hunger. They cleared the stadium’s pantries, refrigerators, and storage areas of food with a short shelf-life.Then, donated more than $100,000 worth of food to food pantries and homeless shelters in Bristol and Norfolk Counties.
2. Support and care for veterans and their families is a special passion of the Patriots, Revolution, and the Kraft family. So, they’ve teamed up with the Massachusetts Military Support Foundation to pack and provide 1.4 million meals to active duty military, veterans, and their families throughout New England who have limited access to food due to the coronavirus. From March 31 through April 10, “Vital Food Packages” (two weeks worth of meals for two) will be delivered and distributed from Gillette Stadium. An effort to ensure our heroes and their families are nourished and supported in this time of great need.
3. And, an act of superheroism, Governor Baker and the Kraft family joined forces to secure 1.2 million desperately needed N95 medical masks for frontline health care workers. Thanks to the relentless efforts of our Governor, masks were secured -- in China. “I just have to get them here,” he told longtime friend, Patriots president Jonathan Kraft. And, together they went to work. Through extraordinary logistical and diplomatic teamwork, including the upgrade of the Patriots’ plane to make the long journey and a $2 million donation from the Krafts, they pulled off a “Hail Mary”. Last evening, Air Kraft arrived at Logan packed with medical masks. Robert Kraft reflected, “It is an honor for our family to be a part of this humanitarian mission...Multiple organizations across the public and private sectors, all of which were in lockstep with Governor Charlie Baker’s visionary leadership, worked together to execute this mission with the purpose of helping save lives. I truly hope that in doing so we can in some way inspire others to find creative ways to give more in support of our doctors, nurses and first responders." A very special shout-out to the pilot and crew who made the 7,936 mile journey to -- and from -- China.
And, this is just a selection of the many things our champions are doing. Check out https://www.patriots.com/covid19 to see more on their #TogetherWhileApart initiative.