Patriots Raise Over $200K For Mass Tornado Relief
BOSTON (CBS) - The New England Patriots Charitable foundation had some great news for the residents of Springfield on Wednesday, announcing that just two weeks into their fundraising they had surpassed their goal to raise $200,000 for tornado relief.
The total now sits at $222,131, and counting, after numerous donations including $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 the United Way of Pioneer Valley to announce that the fundraising goal had been met and surpassed with the help of large donations. They included $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.
Tippett said it was donations, large and small, that allowed the Patriots to hit their goal so soon.
"There have been $10 donations, there have been $10 thousand dollar donations," the Hall of Famer said. "I think everyone understands whatever bit you can add and contribute, it's going to be worth it."
Donations can still be made through United Way/Mass2-1-1 via the Massachusetts Statewide Disaster Relief Fund. 100-percent of the funds raised will go directly to helping those in need. Donations can be made at www.unitedwaytri-county.org/disaster or by dialing 2-1-1 toll-free.
