SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (July 6, 2011) - In response to the tornadoes that swept through Massachusetts in early June, the Kraft family and the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation teamed with United Way to announce a tornado relief fundraising campaign initiated by $100,000 in matching funds from the Kraft family.

On Wednesday, just two weeks into the campaign, the Patriots Charitable Foundation returned to Springfield to announce that the tornado relief fundraising drive has surpassed the $200,000 goal and now totals $222,131 and counting, including the $100,000 in matching funds from the Kraft family.

Pro Football and Patriots Hall of Famer Andre Tippett, Patriots Alumni Club President Peter Brock and United Way of Pioneer Valley President & CEO Dora Robinson joined local representatives on the steps of United Way of Pioneer Valley to announce that the $200,000 fundraising goal had been met and surpassed with the help of large donations of $1,800 from the Patriots Alumni Club, $5,000 from Excel Dryer, $8,500 from Par Electric, $10,000 from SBLI, $10,000 from Waters Corporation and $26,293 from Greater Springfield Visitor and Convention Bureau/Massachusetts Restaurant Association.

"It was important to Myra and me that our donation be an incentive for others to contribute," said Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft. "We are proud to be partnered in this effort with the United Way as well as with those in the business community and the individuals who have joined the effort to help the families and communities in central and western Massachusetts ravaged by the tornadoes. That the response has been so overwhelming makes us proud, once again, to be members of this community."

Donations can still be made through United Way/Mass2-1-1 via the Massachusetts Statewide Disaster Relief Fund, with 100 percent of all dollars raised directed to helping those in need. Donations can be made at http://www.unitedwaytri-county.org/disaster or by dialing 2-1-1 toll free.