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 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 the fifth time, after completing the greatest comeback in Super Bowl history.

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 24, 2018, the Light Foundation (founded by former New England Patriots offensive lineman Matt Light ) and The Little Heroes Fund will once again align with Boston Bruins Alumni for the 4th Annual Light Heroes 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, Jay Miller, Tommy Songin, Bob Sweeney, Reggie Lemelin, Rick Middleton and Ken Hodge. The Bruins Alumni will skate against the “Light Heroes,” a group of avid and excited hockey players who have earned a spot on the team by fundraising for the event. Matt Light will even be lacing up his skates, as well.

The Boston Bruins Alumni Association has been giving back for over 40 years. During that time, they have raised more than $5 million for local charities. The Light Foundation and Little Heroes Fund are a few nonprofits on a long list of deserving philanthropists. This will be one of New England’s largest Bruins Alumni games, with an expected crowd of 2,000 great supporters.

The Little Heroes Fund has organized a unique event that is sure to inspire and entertain. It will certainly offer guests an exciting night at the rink. In addition to the action on the ice, attendees will enjoy numerous sources of entertainment. Music students from North Providence, Rhode Island’s School of ROCK will be displaying their talent before and during the game. Massachusetts-based Spaulding Clinical will be starting up their adaptive sleds to show that anything is possible. A Wish Come True Inc, will also be on hand to grant a wish to a child in need. Little Heroes Fund Director Erik Deneault has said, “It takes a lot of work but when you see all the people in the stands laughing and having a good time, it is all worth it.”

For Light, this event is one his most rewarding of the year. In a recent statement, he expressed his excitement to be involved with the local hockey legends and the Little Heroes Fund once again:

“I’ve only been on skates a handful of times, so it’s amazing to see these amateur guys holding their own against the greats! 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, Light Foundation and Little Heroes Fund 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 adults, $10 for students when a school ID is shown, and free for children under 10. Guests will have a chance to meet former Bruins, as well as some special celebrity guests.

About the Light Foundation:

The Light Foundation was established in 2001 by 3-time Super Bowl Champion and 3-time Pro-Bowler 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.

About the Little Heroes Fund:

The Little Heroes Fund is an RI Non-Profit established in 2010 by Dawn and Erik Deneault. Inspired by their daughter Danica, the Deneault family tirelessly offers support to the Special Needs Community. They offer assistance in securing children Walkers, Wheelchairs, Physical Therapy Tools, and toys, and also build Wheelchair Ramps and help construct adaptive handicap accessible home modifications. The Little Heroes Fund also advocates on a legislative level to help pass bills on a State level to help the children of RI and MA.

–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 and NHL editorial content. Follow him on Twitter @mdabateFPC