The never-ending winning mentality in New England

For the last decade, the New England Patriots have been one of the best teams to play the game of football. Around the football world teams have been doing what it takes to get on their level and receive the same respect from the entire nation that they are given every single year. With role models like Tom Brady and Bill Belichick attracting players from every team in the league; the Patriots have stocked up this past offseason to go for what they haven’t been able to accomplish in the last six years; despite all the hype that has stood behind their name each year. With the recent signing of defensive end Shaun Ellis and the trades that brought in big names like Chad Ochocinco from the Cincinnati Bengals and Albert Haynesworth from the Washington Redskins; the Patriots are back on top of the football world with everyone, including Vegas, picking them as this year’s favourite to win the Super Bowl.

However, the one thing that people don’t ever talk about when it comes to the New England Patriots is what they do as a team away from the game of football. Since 1994, the New England Patriots have had their own foundation called the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation; which is a non-profit organization that was established by Robert Kraft and his family to support charitable and philanthropic agencies throughout New England.

The Foundation finds many ways to donate money such as giving direct grants and donating signed memorabilia to different charitable causes, as well as having Patriots players appear at charity functions throughout the year if they choose to offer their direct support and time. It’s primary goal is to support programs that specialize in helping youth and families of the New England region by assisting programs that promote cultural diversity, education, family and health. It has taken special interest in many youth programs over the years that encourage education, creativity and development of character.

The Foundation hosts 15 different programs throughout the year, with many different players on the Patriots helping out along the way whenever it is possible for them throughout the course of the season. Some of the main programs that the Foundation offers are; the Blood Drive; Community MVP; Make-A-Wish; Scholarship Programs; Patriot Ladies; Patriots Kids Café; Play 60; and Read Between the Lines. Through these programs they are able to help out every person in the New England region. They help raise awareness of the importance of donating blood; recognize those amongst the community who do their share of giving back; grant wishes through the Make-A-Wish Foundation to children who are suffering from a life-threatening illness; raise the awareness of being active and staying fit throughout the community; serve those in the region who can’t afford to eat traditional holiday meals during the holiday seasons; offer scholarships to children who excel in school and are looking for a brighter education to better themselves in life; and teach kids the importance of education and being literate with the offensive and defensive linemen paying visits to different schools in the community.

Whether you are a fan of the New England Patriots or not, they are a great team to follow when it comes to what they are doing within the community. They have shown success on the field many times throughout the previous decade; winning three Super Bowls in a four-year span. They continue to show where hard work and determination will get you on the field throughout the season, as well as where a winning attitude can get you all season long. Whether it be game day or not, their fans are always standing behind them so they stand behind their fans at times when they really need the support and help.