FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (September 20, 2015) - For the fifth consecutive year, the Kraft family and the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation will Celebrate Volunteerism. Throughout the 2015 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.Â
New England Patriots players, coaches, alumni, cheerleaders and the team mascot, Pat Patriot, will be actively involved in the initiative throughout the year. Each month of the season carries a different volunteer focus. The Foundation will honor education in September, healthcare during October, military in November and celebrate holiday giving during December. As part of Community Tuesdays, Patriots players can be found in the community each week at events based around the monthly focus.Â
"We are excited to 'Celebrate Volunteerism' for the fifth year in a row," said Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft. "So many players - past and present - serve as ambassadors in our communities and support this mission. They are complemented by the Patriots Women's Association as well as our cheerleaders and staff who help us celebrate the work of volunteers throughout New England. I am very proud of their commitment to serving the underserved."
Celebrate Volunteerism activities will include the announcement of the weekly "Patriots Difference Maker" award, which recognizes deserving volunteers. These outstanding individuals go above and beyond to support local 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, Patriots GameDay magazine and they will also be recognized during a special ceremony at the Patriots final regular season home game against the Tennessee Titans on December 20. Fans are encouraged to nominate a "Patriots Difference Maker" by visiting www.patriots.com/community. Â
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.Â
