The New England area has often been the subject of envy by many a sports fan. The fairly-recent success of the New England Patriots, Boston Bruins, Boston Celtics and Boston Red Sox is the kind about which most regions can only dream.
The images are indelible. David Ortiz making a triumphant trek around the bases after yet another postseason home run. Zdeno Chara jubilantly hoisting the Stanley Cup. Kevin Garnett yelling “Anything’s Possibllllllleee” into the rafters of TD Garden. Last but not least, Tom Brady embracing the Lombardi trophy for a record sixth time, this past February.
While the honor of winning is something which every athlete aspires to achieve, most consider it an even greater honor to use that success to give back to their community. It is this philanthropic desire that allows fans to develop a more profound connection to the teams and athletes that have provided them with so many memorable moments. This weekend, some of New England’s most-beloved sports legends will take to the ice to support some very worthy charities.
On Saturday night, March 23, 2019, the Light Foundation (founded by New England Patriots Hall of Famer Matt Light) will once again align with Boston Bruins Alumni for the 5th Annual Light Foundation and Bruins Alumni Charity Game at Providence College’s Schneider Arena in Providence, Rhode Island.
Among the guests/players for Saturday night’s event are former Boston Bruins legends Ray Bourque, Joey Mullen and Rick ‘Nifty’ Middleton. Joining them, will be Patriots legend Matt Chatham and Patriots Hall of Famer, Troy Brown. The Bruins Alumni will skate against a team of Light Foundation fundraising-skaters, whose avid excitement for hockey and philanthropy earned them a spot on the team.
The Boston Bruins Alumni Association has been giving back for over 40 years. During that time, the Alumni has actively coordinated Benefit Hockey Games to raise money for various charities and youth groups. Collectively, they have raised more than $5 million for local charities. This will be one of New England’s largest Bruins Alumni games, with an expected crowd of 2,000+ great supporters. As an added bonus, Saturday’s game will feature a ceremonial puck drop by Bruins legend, Chief Johnny Bucyk.
The Light Foundation was established in 2001 by 3-time Super Bowl Champion and most-recent inductee into the Patriots Hall of Fame, Matt Light. The Light Foundation strives to instill and augment the values of responsibility, accountability and hard work by providing youth with unique outdoor learning experiences that assist them in reaching their highest potential. Its goal is to lead young people down a path to becoming responsible members of their communities who are capable of passing on the torch of leadership and achievement to their friends and families. Since its inception in 2001, the Light Foundation has raised more than $5 million for various programs and initiatives.
For Light, this event is one his most rewarding of the year. In a recent statement, he expressed his excitement to once again be involved with the Charity Game for the fifth-straight year:
“We’re looking forward to providing New England sports fans with another big game to see their hockey heroes take the ice. This is a great event for hockey fans of all ages, and families looking for a fun day out. We’re grateful for the opportunity to have some fun while helping at-risk youth from here in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, and well beyond our local borders.”
While it is true that New England fans are fortunate to be cheering on winning teams on a seemingly annual basis, fans of every team (from every location) can all agree that everyone wins when you give back. Saturday night’s game in Providence will be one of the many such charity events that take place throughout North America all year long. While the approaches might be different, the spirit of each remains the same. Simply put, it is about helping those in need. When that goal is accomplished, there is no greater success.
Full Press Coverage Sports Media wishes the best of luck to the Boston Bruins Alumni and the Light Foundation for a fun and successful event on Saturday.
For Those in the Area:
The event will be held from 6:00pm-9:00pm at Schneider Arena in Providence, Rhode Island. Tickets are $20 for General Admission. For youth teams, adult tickets are $10, and players tickets are free. As always, admission is free for children under 8. Guests will have a chance to meet former Bruins, as well as some special celebrity guests.
For More Event Information and to Purchase Tickets:
https://mattlight72.ejoinme.org/Bruinstickets
For More Information on these Great Philanthropic Organizations:
Boston Bruins Alumni: https://www.bostonbruinsalumni.com
The Light Foundation: https://www.mattlight72.com/
–Mike D’Abate is a Managing Editor and National Columnist for Full Press Coverage Sports Media. He covers the New England Patriots and provides NFL editorial content. Follow him on Twitter @mdabateFPC
