WRENTHAM, Mass. (WLNE) – Current and former New England Patriots players participated in the 19th annual Legends Ball Tuesday night, raising money for people with special needs.
The Hockomock YMCA Inclusion Initiative provides opportunities for youth and young adults with special needs, and organizers honored Patriots safety Brenden Schooler for his key role in the program.
“It’s a real honor, not only to come to this event, but to be recognized at this event,” Schooler said. “I’m out in the community with these guys as often as possible, so to be here with them, with all the work we do together, it’s really special.”
Jim Downs, CEO of the Hockomock YMCA, said Schooler played soccer with the kids for about an hour and a half at the start of the initial announcement of the winner.
“I tried to break up because I know how busy they are,” Downs said. “But as soon as I broke up, he said ‘okay, let’s move on’ and started playing football with them again.”
“He’s a really good person,” Downs added. “The heart in him is amazing, the way he responds and gets to know each child and their name.”
Teammates said coming to support the fundraiser was an easy decision.
“For us to come together, it’s great to come in support,” Patriots wide receiver Demario Douglas said. “And the cause, for all those kids at the YMCA, that’s what I’m here for.”
Schooler said he appreciated the support from his teammates.
“If someone is passionate about something, then I want to support them too,” he added.
YMCA officials said the money raised at the event would be enough to fund the initiative’s programs throughout the year.
