With the season opener just 16 days away, the countdown to kickoff has officially begun. And, who better to get the season started at the Kickoff Gala than ESPN's Chris Berman. On Tuesday, Aug. 29, the New England Patriots will host their annual Kickoff Gala in the Fidelity Investment Clubhouse at Gillette Stadium. It is the one event each year where Patriots fans have an opportunity to wine and dine with every member of their favorite team.
The gala is an annual fundraiser for the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation. Monies raised help fund many worthwhile causes the foundation contributes to throughout New England. Since its inception in 1994, the Patriots Charitable Foundation has awarded thousands of in-kind donations to regional charities, totaling millions of dollars.
The Kickoff Gala also features the announcement of this year's recipient of the New England Patriots Ron Burton Community Service Award, presented annually to a Patriots player for his philanthropic endeavors and in honor of the late Ron Burton, the team's first draft choice in 1960. In addition to the players, fans will have an opportunity to meet Patriots coaches and cheerleaders and can bid on a variety of exclusive auction items.
