PROVIDENCE, RI – Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza joined Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft, Rhode Island Dairy Farmer Melissa Breene Jordan, and Brandon King of the New England Patriots as George J. West Elementary Schools was awarded a $10,000 ‘Hometown Grant’ in partnership with the NFL and the Rhode Island Dairy Farm Families as well as an additional $10,000 match from Robert Kraft and the Patriots organization.
“This contribution from the New England Patriots and Rhode Island Dairy Farm Families will help provide much needed programming for the students at George J. West Elementary School,” said Mayor Elorza. “Our students should have unlimited access to physical activities and health initiatives to help them grow and thrive in the classroom.”
“Both the Patriots and Dairy Farm Families have been longtime supporters of the City of Providence and the well-being of our youth, and I’d like to extend my gratitude to them,” continued Mayor Elorza.
The funding awarded to George J. West Elementary School will support the school’s efforts to ensure all students have access to physical education, physical activity and nutritious foods at school. Research shows academic success is linked to a healthy lifestyle that is comprised of physical activity and good nutrition.
“We were excited to visit the George J. West Elementary School and present them with this Hometown grant,” said Kraft. “We can see the faculty and students passion for health and wellness and wanted to be able to show our support. It is our hope that this grant will help provide much needed equipment and renovations to help the students continue to play 60 minutes a day.”
During the event today, the students from George J. West Elementary School were able to speak with members of the New England Patriots about playing football as well as the importance of being active for at least 60 minutes every day and eating healthy.
The ‘Hometown Grant’ Program developed by Fuel Up to Play 60 and the NFL providence the opportunity to identify local deserving schools and provide them with a $10,000 grant to help meet their health and wellness goals.