By Steve Klamkin WPRO News
Rhode Island has updated its New England Patriots license plates to reflect the NFL team’s six Super Bowl wins.
A replica of the new license plate was unveiled at the State House in a brief ceremony Tuesday, as Patriots owner Robert Kraft helped distribute $20,000 checks to two non-profit organizations, and vowed to match proceeds of the license plates, which go to the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation.
“Whatever funds come to the foundation from that, we will always donate at least double that into non-profits in Rhode Island,” Kraft said.
“It’s just a way for us to build a connection,” Kraft said.
His son, Joshua Kraft, president of Kraft Family Philanthropies joked about the stand-out license plates, “so the state troopers have to give them a break if they’re speeding.”
The Krafts presented $20,000 checks to two organizations, “Man Up, Inc.” and “Youth In Action”.
Man Up helps people convicted of murder, armed robbery, drug distribution and other crimes, said Executive Director Rhonda Price.
“To give them a second chance, a third chance, a fourth chance, is such a blessing,” said Price.
“Youth In Action, we create the spaces for young people to come and feel safe enough to share their stories, practice leadership and create change in their communities,” said Executive Director Elliot Rivera.
The new license plates are already available, and represent the first upgrade since Patriots plates were first introduced when the team had won three Super Bowls.
“When they won their fourth and their fifth, we just added like a star sticker to the individuals so that they could add them to the bottom of the plate,” said Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles Administrator Walter “Bud” Craddock.
“But then, when Mr. Kraft came in, he said, what about we do a whole new plate?,” said Craddock.
According to the DMV website, the fee for the Patriots plate is $42.50, which includes $22.50 to produce the plates and $20 supports the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation.
There are at least seven other charitable plates, including those for the Red Sox. Nine other plates are available through pre-order, which will be filled when 600 plates have been ordered. Those range from Autism Awareness, Gaspee Days Committee, #D-Strong and Rocky Point Foundation.
All are separate from the Rhode Island license plate design contest now open for voting through March 28 to select a new plate design.
