Gov. Carcieri signs new license plate law that will benefit local charities
PROVIDENCE — Before a crowd of enthusiastic LaSalle football players on Monday afternoon, Joshua Kraft, Gov. Donald Carcieri, Sen. David E. Bates, Speaker William Murphy, Rep. Edwin Pacheco, Football Hall of Fame inductee Andre Tippett and Bishop Thomas J. Tobin participated in a bill signing ceremony authorizing a Rhode Island license plate for the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation, with proceeds to benefit local non-profit organizations.
The event also served as a kick-off for the 2009-10 “Keep the Heat On” campaign, an effort that provides heating assistance to Rhode Islanders with no other means to secure help.
Since it was established in 2005, “Keep the Heat On” has raised and provided almost $1 million in assistance to Rhode Islanders in need.
During the kick-off event, Governor Donald L. Carcieri signed legislation sponsored by Sen. Maryellen Goodwin and Rep. Edwin Pacheco, that authorizes a new Rhode Island license plate featuring the New England Patriots logo to underscore the longstanding commitment by the Kraft family and the Patriots organization to the state’s community and local charitable causes.
The legislation (2009-S0456A) (2009-H5451B) allows Rhode Islanders to purchase the special New England Patriots license regular registration fee. Half of that fee will go into the state's general fund with the other half benefitting the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation, the nonprofit organization founded by Patriots owner Robert Kraft to help support charitable and philanthropic agencies throughout New England. For subsequent renewals, the additional fee is $10, all of which will be allocated to the foundation.
The legislation requires the Foundation to use the money raised through the sale of the plates for Rhode Island-based charitable causes.
“Rhode Island is home to the best and most loyal Patriot fans in the world," said Gov. Donald L. Carcieri. "The Kraft family and the New England Patriots have always repaid that loyalty by giving their time and money to many local charities here in Rhode Island.
"I would also like to recognize Bishop Tobin and the Diocese of Providence for the ‘Keep the Heat On’ program, which has helped families pay for heat during the winter for the past five years. While today's event is fun, we should not forget that many Rhode Islanders are struggling this year,” the governor continued.
“No one should have to go cold this winter, and this program will help many Rhode Island families stay warm and safe.”
“As the holiday season approaches, we are reminded of our responsibility to help those less fortunate,” said Speaker Murphy. “The New England Patriots and the Kraft family are keenly aware of that responsibility, and we are proud to partner with them.”
“This is truly an exciting way to kick off the fifth campaign,” said Sen. Bates, adding that the appeal provided “a call to action for football and non-football fans alike to help less fortunate Rhode Island families stay warm this winter.
“Many Rhode Islanders are struggling to cope with the challenged economy and with winter soon upon us, heating bills will create new burdens for families in need,” said Bishop Tobin, who made a personal pledge to KTHO of two dollars for every point that the Pittsburgh Steelers, his favorite team, score this season.
Pledges were also made by Gov. Carcieri, who plans to donate $3 for each point scored by the Patriots, and Speaker Murphy, who noted that his colleagues in the House of Representatives will donate $5 to KTHO for each point scored by the New England team.
“The special New England Patriots license plates will allow fans to display their team spirit while raising money for many worthy Rhode Island causes, including the ‘Keep the Heat On’ campaign,” said Rep. Edwin Pacheco. “For a small fee, die-hard Patriots fans in our state will now have the opportunity to help the less fortunate.”
“Keep the Heat On” is supported by generous donors and grants from the Catholic Charity Fund appeal. In just four years, more than 2,580 individuals and organizations have contributed $914,935 in support of the heating assistance fund: $558,828 has been provided for oil assistance, $237,245 for gas and $103,452 for electric to assist 3,094 Rhode Island households.
The Catholic Charity Fund has provided $225,000 in grants in support of “Keep the Heat On.” During the kick-off event, the Bishop announced a $50,000 Charity Fund grant for the 2009- 10 campaign.
Kraft presented Bishop Tobin with a $2,500 check from the Patriots Charitable Foundation, and making an analogy to the football, noted that it takes teamwork to make any program a success.
Tippett, who serves as executive director of community affairs for the Patriots, energized the LaSalle team as they prepared to face East Providence on Thanksgiving.
“Compete, baby, compete,” he said, adding that the Patriots and the foundation were excited to be part of the license plate fundraising program.
To apply for assistance through “Keep the Heat On,” call 421-7833 or log on to www.heatri.com. Applicants must demonstrate ineligibility for other federal, state and private assistance. All inquiries are confidential.
To make a donation, send a check, designating “Keep the Heat On,” made payable to the Interfaith Dire Emergency Fund and mailed to 184 Broad Street, Providence, R.I. 02903. Online, visit www.heatri.com.
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