Drake Maye shaves head in charity push, launches MayeDay foundation
drake maye cut his hair short as part of a high-profile charity push that also unveiled his new nonprofit plans. The New England Patriots quarterback took part in Granite Telecommunications’ annual fundraiser that helped raise more than $4. 1 million for Boston Children’s Hospital. He and his wife, Ann Michael, announced the MayeDay Family Foundation and a Celebrity Softball Classic set for Sunday, May 31 (ET).
Fundraiser and foundation: what happened
At the Granite Telecommunications “Saving for Shaving” event, drake maye had most of his hair shaved off onstage in a moment billed to raise money and attention for pediatric care. Event organizers say the drive raised more than $4. 1 million for Boston Children’s Hospital, with Granite and the Hale family pledging $5, 000 for every person who shaved or donated at least eight inches of hair. The shave was presented as both a fundraising moment and a public launch pad for the MayeDay Family Foundation; drake maye and his wife highlighted the foundation’s focus on supporting local children and families.
Drake Maye’s role and the Celebrity Softball Classic
drake maye will serve as the public face of the new MayeDay Family Foundation, and he and Ann Michael announced an inaugural Celebrity Softball Classic to fund the foundation’s mission. The Celebrity Softball Classic is scheduled for Sunday, May 31 (ET) at Polar Park, home of the Worcester Red Sox; tickets start as low as $15 and were made available as of Tuesday, March 31 (ET). The event is expected to include Patriots teammates and other local celebrities, and organizers plan family activities including a home run derby and fireworks to draw community attention and raise funds.
Immediate reactions: quotes from the Mayes
“Dealing with kids, dealing with children — that’s one of the best things, ” said Drake Maye, New England Patriots quarterback, describing why he chose to take part in the shaving fundraiser and to found the MayeDay Family Foundation. “They’re most likely or oftentimes the biggest fans of us players. It’s such a cool experience to be able to shine positive light and to be there for them and to help in any way we can. “
Ann Michael, co-founder of the MayeDay Family Foundation, said she and drake maye wanted to “get back to the community” and work with established organizations like Boston Children’s Hospital to make an immediate impact. Ann Michael also took part in the onstage shave, starting the clipper down the middle of her husband’s head before others finished the buzz.
On his health, drake maye told event attendees that his throwing shoulder “feels great” and “shouldn’t be an issue, ” addressing concerns from last season’s playoff stretch while stressing he was using the offseason to rest and rebuild.
Quick context
The Granite Telecommunications drive has a history of supporting pediatric care; organizers noted the campaign has raised significant sums for Boston Children’s Hospital over time. The MayeDay Family Foundation is launching as the Mayes aim to combine personal appearances with fundraising events to benefit children and families in New England and North Carolina.
What’s next
Looking ahead, drake maye and the MayeDay Family Foundation will move from this publicity moment to program-building and fundraising, starting with the Celebrity Softball Classic on Sunday, May 31 (ET) at Polar Park. Organizers say they will follow this inaugural event with further community partnerships and fundraising efforts tied to pediatric research and family support; the next public milestone to watch is ticketed attendance and funds raised at the May 31 event, which the Mayes have positioned as the foundation’s first major test of community reach.
