A Winter Wonderland Party took place at Gillette Stadium on Tuesday, organized by New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez in partnership with the Patriots Foundation and Dellbrook|JKS. The event welcomed 90 children from local youth development groups that focus on supporting underserved youth.
Many of Gonzalez’s teammates attended the party, including Milton Williams, Rhamondre Stevenson, Austin Hooper, Mack Hollins, Jaylinn Hawkins, Julian Ashby, Craig Woodson, Charles Woods, Marcellas Dial Jr., Sebastian Gutierrez, Jack Westover, Isaiah Iton, Dell Pettus, Marte Mapu, Miles Battle, Caedan Wallace, John Saunders Jr., and Richie Grant. Defensive coaches Scott Booker and Justin Hamilton were also present. Several Patriots alumni—Ronnie Lippett, Ronald James, Chris Sullivan, Max Lane and Matt Chatham—joined the festivities alongside Pat Patriot and members of the Patriots Cheerleading squad.
The event featured dinner for attendees as well as video games and holiday activities. Children received winter coats, gloves and hats. Each child was able to select a gift for themselves and one for a loved one. Meals from Chic-Fil-A were provided to all participants along with new bicycles donated by North Pole Bike Shop.
“For my teammates to show up it meant a lot,” said Gonzalez about his fellow players’ participation in the event. “I invited them and they showed up. It goes to show how tight we are as a team. The guys taking the time on their one day off in the week to come up here and give back means a lot.”
Gonzalez highlighted his appreciation for seeing young attendees choose gifts for others: “The kids come in here, smile, hang out, get some good food, some gifts,” he said. “I think one of my favorite things is seeing the kids wanting to give gifts to their siblings. I think that’s an amazing thing.”
