Patriots football player Ron Brace said he is concerned about his Springfield hometown and all those who have lost their homes and possessions.
View full sizeNew England Patriots defensive lineman Ron Brace, a Springfield native, sheds a tear as he speaks during the announcement Tuesday in which the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation said it was teaming up with the United Way and going to match up to $ 100,000 in public gifts that will be put toward relief for tornado victims in Massachusetts.The event was held at Stagg Field on the Springfield College campus.SPRINGFIELD – Ron Brace, a Springfield native and professional football player with the New England Patriots, showed himself as a hometown hero again on Tuesday.
Brace was among representatives of the Patriots organization who gathered at Springfield College’s Stagg Field to announce a fund drive for the victims of the June 1 tornadoes in Massachusetts including his hometown.
The fund drive was officially launched with a pledge of up to $100,000 in matching funds from the family of Patriots owner Robert Kraft, through the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation.
Brace was moved to tears as he spoke about his concerns for his hometown in the aftermath of the tornadoes and of his commitment to help. His home when he was growing up in Springfield on Clifton Avenue was among damaged buildings, but he said his attention was on the many people who lost their homes and their possessions.
He was joined at the announcement by retired Patriots Hall of Famer Andre Tippett, along with other team representatives including a Patriots cheerleader and mascot.
Beginning immediately, the foundation is pledging a dollar-for-dollar matching grant of up to $100,000 for donations to the United Way and Mass 2-1-1.
Funds raised will be assigned to the Massachusetts Statewide Disaster Relief Fund, with 100 percent of money raised being directed to those in need, officials said.
Donations can be made at www.unitedwaytri-county.org/disaster, or by dialing 2-1-1.
On Friday, the New England Patriots Alumni Association will bring their "Football for YOU" free youth football clinic to Springfield College, with Brace among the participants.
View full sizeAndre Tippett, left, former New England Patriots player, now an executive with the team, and Springfield native Ron Brace, a defensive lineman with the team, at the announcement that the team will match up to $ 100,000 in funds to the United Way for relief for tornado victims in Massachusetts.Dora D. Robinson, United Way of Pioneer Valley president and chief executive officer, and Mayor Domenic J. Sarno were among officials thanking the Kraft family and the Patriots.
Many of Brace's family member and other relatives were present for the announcement. His father, Ron Brace Jr., said he was very proud of his son.
"I am very proud of him giving back to his community," Brace said. "I am proud of him as a person. He has been the perfect kid."
More to come on MassLive.com and in The Republican