RICKY, Inc
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RICKY, Inc

RICKY,Inc

RICKY,IncRICKY,IncRICKY,Inc

Respecting Individuals with Care & Kindness, You matter

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Our Programs
  • Our Sponsors
  • Help Our Cause
  • Contact Us
  • Board of Directors Staff
  • Resources
  • Past Events 2024
  • Past Events 2023 -2
  • Past Events 2023
  • Past Events 2022 - 1
  • Past Events 2022
  • Past Events 2021
  • Past Events 2021 - 2
  • Past Events 2020 - 2
  • Past Events 2020
  • Past Events 2019
  • Photo Gallery
  • Testimonials 2024
  • Testimonials 2023
  • Testimonials 2022
  • Testimonials 2021
  • Testimonials 2019 & 2020
  • In Memoriam
  • Shared Thoughts
  • Grief

please visit & follow us on facebook


 https://www.facebook.com/Rickyincorporated  

current number of backpacks distributed

2,600


Ricky, Inc. was established in March of 2020 and has been continuously distributing backpacks filled with essential personal needs items and seasonal clothing to persons suffering from homelessness, mental health issues and substance use disorder.


In August 2022 Ricky, Inc. became registered with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Drug Control Program to distribute Naloxone, better known as Narcan. We have started distributing this life-saving nasal spray and will continue to do so for as long as we can.


Thank you to everyone that helped us with our mission to provide relief to this segment of society and we hope to continue to receive your thoughtful and compassionate support.


more backpacks for boston

answer house

On Monday Sept. 16, 2024 Ricky, Inc. visited Answer House in South Boston and delivered 28 filled backpacks for the clients in recovery that reside there. Each backpack also contained a 2-dose kit of the life-saving nasal spray Narcan. We also provided the house with an additional 24 more doses of Narcan (totaling 80).


Answer House is a sober living facility that houses 28 men and is operated under the Middlesex Human Services Agency, Inc.


"Ricky, Inc. is proud to add Answer House to our list of sober homes that receive backpack and supply donations from us"


Pictured above L-R: 

Jared DeFlurin - Program Director

Rich Giacoppo - Ricky, Inc.

Joey Daponte Jr. - Counselor

Julia Means - Substance Use Counselor


Answer House

5 G Street

South Boston, MA. 02127

(617) 268-7124

Email: answerhouse@MHSAinc.org 

Website: https://www.mhsainc.org


the renewed "Ricky giacoppo memorial reading room"

andrew house JP

new chair & Bookcase

andrew house JP

On Wednesday Sept. 11, 2024 Ricky, Inc. delivered select furniture to Andrew House in Jamica Plain to outfit the "Ricky Giacoppo Memorial Reading Room".

overview

new chair & Bookcase

andrew house JP

The reading room had sustained a flooding problem last year and most of the original materials were destroyed.


The Giacoppo family has pledged to always keep this room outfitted and functioning in memory of their son Ricky.

new chair & Bookcase

new chair & Bookcase

original photo & dedication

Ricky, Inc. purchased all new furniture once the room was restored including a bookcase and padded rocking chair.


We filled with bookcase with several books, games, puzzles, art supplies and recovery books & information.

original photo & dedication

new sofa, lamp & coffee table

original photo & dedication

The original photo of Ricky and the dedication frames were saved by the staff and reinstalled in their original positions.


On top of the bookcase, we provided a lamp, plant, 2 inspirational plaques and a wooden statue.


Thank you to Andrew House and former director Maritza Castillo for dedicating this area on Dec. 9, 2020 in memory of Ricky.

new sofa, lamp & coffee table

new sofa, lamp & coffee table

new sofa, lamp & coffee table

We also provided a sofa/loveseat, a standup lamp and a coffee table for the clients to enjoy and relax in this special area.


On top of the coffee table is a plant, a case of markers and two 3-ring binders that contain hundreds of copies from two adult coloring books. These copies are for the clients to use at their leisure.


Ricky spent a lot of time in this room, reading and drawing

rebecca & her staff

new sofa, lamp & coffee table

new sofa, lamp & coffee table

Pictured above is Rebecca Goldman (2nd from the left) and her staff with Rich. 


Rebecca is the Director of Diversionary Services and has been instrumental in restoring and rededicating the Ricky Memorial Reading Room.


Special thanks and our heartfelt appreciation go out to Rebecca for her kindness, consideration & support.

solemn day of rememberance

international overdose awareness day

international overdose awareness day

international overdose awareness day

On Saturday August 31, 2024, Bernadette & Rich of Ricky, Inc. joined The Boston Backpack Project on International Overdose Awareness Day. Along with several other nonprofit organizations, we set up on Southampton Street in Boston and gave out Narcan, blankets, water bottles, hygiene products and many other necessities, including a few backpacks.


Thank you to all of the volunteers of the Boston Backpack Project for all the fantastic work that you do! 


Boston Backpack Project 

"Ricky, Inc. is doing incredible work and making such a difference in the lives of so many…." 

Elaine Mitrano

 

Your efforts make a difference, so glad you're part of the community!

Judy Kelly

  

Gilly's House, Inc.

Beautiful work! If we keep helping those that are sick and suffering, people do start to heal. It's such a process but there is always hope for these somebody's someone’s.  


“Thank you, Ricky, Inc. for doing God's work in memory of your beautiful boys”

Maureen Cappuccino

2 recent testimonials

international overdose awareness day

international overdose awareness day

  I would like to send my utmost thanks to Ricky Inc. They paid for a full month of my rent at my sober house through their scholarship program. I have been struggling financially and have had my hours at work reduced. Along with that I have just had a misfortune string of events that have really taken a toll on me both mentally and financially. I have battled through this and maintained my sobriety. Relapse is not an option. 


“When I was approved for my rent to be covered it was like the world lifted off my shoulders”. I have the time now to save up and get back on track. You don't know how much this really meant to me. I am beyond grateful and will keep on trucking! 


“It is an organization like Ricky Inc. that really makes a difference for someone in my position. Words can’t express my gratitude, but I really mean it when I say thank you”.


Jared Gonzalez


  

I applied for a scholarship at Ricky, Inc. to help me get into a sober house. I did not have the funds to get in and was so worried loosing this bed. I did not want to end up on the streets. I have worked so hard on getting and remaining sober. The streets are a scary place. I did not want to fall back into my old ways. 


“Ricky, Inc. provided me with a month's rent to be able to move into my sober house. This scholarship saved my life. I am now in a structured sober house and don't have to worry about the temptation and negativity I would find on the streets”. 


I can continue working on my sobriety and focus on getting a job. Ricky, Inc.’s scholarship of my months’ rent is greatly appreciated.  I will do my best to make the most of it. I can't be thankful enough. 


“Good things do happen when you try hard and do the right thing”. 

Thank you, Ricky Inc., 


Nathaniel Gendron


Hey Rich,

"Thanks for being the difference in these two guys lives". 

Much appreciation,


Derek Sampson

providing relief to boston's neediest

70 more backpacks to boston

valuable & life-saving programs

valuable & life-saving programs

On Thursday August 8, 2024 members of Ricky. Inc.'s distribution team stopped in on the Boston Public Health Commission's programs AHOPE & PAATHS on Albany Street in Boston.


Each organization received the exact same products from Ricky, Inc. and instead of having all of the materials already packed inside of the 70 backpacks (35 AHOPE & 35 PAATHS), all of the hygiene, clothing and personal needs products were separately packaged so that their clients could build their own backpacks to their individual wishes. 


Above, you see the dozens of boxes that were delivered to each of these great organizations containing, backpacks, socks, underwear, water bottles, all hygiene products, sunscreen, antibacterial cream, band aids, sunglasses, rain poncho's, 

chap stick lip balm and much more.


We have been distributing backpacks and materials to both organizations twice a year for the last 5 years and find it a pleasure to collaborate with such dedicated and hardworking people that comprise their staff's. These two organizations are on the front lines every day and making a difference in the lives of people who need it the most.

  

Left to right Bill Ricky, Inc. Volunteer, Remy from AHOPE, Kenny AHOPE Assistant Director, Sarah AHOPE Director, Rich President Ricky Inc., Leroy PAATHS Director. 


Thank you to all staff seen and unseen for the lifesaving work you do with kindness and respect for those you serve. 


You truly are the real "unseen heroes of Boston"

valuable & life-saving programs

valuable & life-saving programs

valuable & life-saving programs

We at Ricky, Inc. have so much respect and admiration for the AHOPE & PAATHS (BPHC) programs, that we wanted to give a description of what important work they do for those individuals facing many of life's crises like homelessness, substance use disorder, and mental health disorders.


“AHOPE”

Access, Harm Reduction, Overdose Prevention and Education (AHOPE) is a harm reduction and needle exchange site.

AHOPE can be reached at 617-534-3976


We provide a range of service to active injection drug users, including integrated HIV, Hepatitis, and STI testing free, legal, and anonymous needle exchange supported referrals to HIV, Hepatitis, STI treatment, and medical help. overdose prevention education and training risk reduction supplies to reduce the spread of HIV and Hepatitis C infection risk reduction counseling, and referrals to all kinds of substance use treatment programs.

RECOVERY SERVICES

617-534-3976

WALK-IN AND MOBILE VAN SERVICES

AHOPE services are available at the walk-in center at 

774 Albany Street, Boston, MA 02118:


LOCATION DAY HOURS

774 Albany Street

Monday - Friday

7:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

(Closed for lunch from 12 - 1 p.m.)

Saturday - Closed

Sunday - Closed


The Community Care in Reach Van is staffed by both AHOPE outreach workers and medical providers from Health Care for the Homeless. It provides the following services:

ADDICTION SERVICES:

Medications for addiction treatment and referrals to opioid treatment programs and in-patient detox

HARM REDUCTION:

Naloxone, overdose prevention education, risk reduction counseling, and syringe exchange

PREVENTIVE CARE:

Screenings, immunizations, chronic disease management (including hypertension, diabetes, HIV treatment) Referrals to behavioral health, hepatitis C treatment, specialty medical care, and other services based on patient needs and preferences

THE COMMUNITY CARE VAN – LOCATION / DAY / HOURS

Haverhill Street

Monday

8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Nubian Square

Monday

12:30 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Nubian Square

Wednesday

12:30 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Haverhill Street

Thursday

12:30 p.m. - 4 p.m.



“PAATHS” 

Providing Access to Addictions Treatment, Hope and Support


TREATMENT PROGRAMS

We can help you get access to treatment programs, including detox and CSS/TSS programs

medication assisted treatment and outpatient treatment programs.

We also connect clients to overdose prevention and risk reduction services. There are many paths to recovery. Let us help you find yours.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

Eligibility is simple. We serve any individual or family from the Greater Boston area in need of information related to substance use, regardless of insurance status.

We have Spanish speaking staff available, and we can also help with transportation.


PAATHS WALK-IN HOURS

The program is located at 

774 Albany Street, 1st floor, Boston, MA 02118 

Please call (857) 507-1279 for more information. We offer services on a first-come, first-served basis. Please arrive early to make sure you can speak to us:


LOCATION DAY HOURS

774 Albany Street

Monday - Friday

7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

(On the first and third Wednesday of the month, we're closed from 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.)

Saturday - Closed

Sunday - Closed


big thanks !!!!!!!

valuable & life-saving programs

big thanks !!!!!!!

Shortly after our visit and donation to “PAATHS”, we received a very much appreciated thank you email titled "Big Thanks !!!!! from long-time AHOPE counselor Kenny Washington. It's always rewarding when we receive such nice feedback and AHOPE has always collaborated with us in many different and resourceful ways.


Thank You to all of the staff at AHOPE & PAATHS for all of the great work that you do every day.


    

BIG THANKS!!!!!

I would just like to extend the gratitude that AHOPE has for the donation you provide to our people. The essential supplies are needed and appreciated beyond measure. 


“Ricky, Inc. has come through time and time again for the most vulnerable population when others have turned their backs”. 


We only hope that your compassion and dedication is noticed by others as much as it is recognized by us and our participants.


With all the Love,

AHOPE Family




empower yourself

save a life

a meaningful story

a meaningful story

  Before most people in the public population had ever heard of Narcan and its life saving capabilities, our son Ricky was a strong advocate for Narcan. He always carried it with him and he saved many lives by administering it. When Ricky passed away no-one used Narcan on him. 


 Our belief is everyone should carry Narcan, it is available, it is free, it cannot be misused, and it is NOT harmful to people. Contact Rich at 781-727-6628 if you would like some.  


What it does is it can reverse an opioid overdose which can include fentanyl. As we have said many times, we are distributors of Narcan. We have also said many times that we will do whatever it takes to get Narcan out to whomever is willing to carry it and train you in its use. 


Our hope is that one day everyone will share the belief that Narcan should be carried by everyone, the same belief our son Ricky had. 


God bless Ricky……NARCAN SAVES LIVES

a meaningful story

a meaningful story

a meaningful story

  The Starfish Story

An Original Story by: Loren Eisley 


One day a man was walking along the beach, 

when he noticed a boy hurriedly picking up 

and gently throwing things into the ocean. 

Approaching the boy, he asked,

"Young man, what are you doing?" 


The boy replied,

"Throwing starfish back into the ocean. 

The surf is up and the tide is going out. 

If I don't throw them back, they'll die." 


The man laughed to himself and said, 

"Don't you realize there are miles and miles of beach

and hundreds of starfish?

You can't make any difference!" 


After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up

another starfish, and threw it into the surf. 

Then, smiling at the man, he said, 

"I made a difference to that one."


"Ricky, Inc. cannot change the whole world, 

but we can help one person at a time"

august 2024 - distribution activity

ACCESS - CAMBRIDGE

ACCESS - THANK YOU CARD

ACCESS - THANK YOU CARD

On Thursday August 1, 2024 we made our annual summer backpack and supplies distribution to ACCESS - Drug User Health Program located in Central Square Cambridge.


We presented them with 35 backpacks and all the necessary supplies needed to fill them. Instead of filling the backpacks, we provided enough materials for their clients to make their own backpacks filled with all of the items that they choose.


 We individually boxed up the backpacks, men's & women's socks, hairbrushes, men's & women's underwear, comb's, water bottles, sunglasses, sunscreen, antibacterial wipes, Band-Aids, Chap Stick, pen's and all of our hygiene products like deodorant, shave cream, razors, shampoo, conditioner, Tampax, toothbrushes and toothpaste.  


Pictured above (L-R)

Ben Adams, Homar Murillo, Brian Sink, Toma`s Kresina, 

Rich Giacoppo, Brielle Carelli & Jessica Alpert.

Photo taken by Jackie Tejada


ACCESS - THANK YOU CARD

ACCESS - THANK YOU CARD

ACCESS - THANK YOU CARD

While visiting with the staff at ACCESS, the Program Director Brian Sink gave us this beautiful thank you card that was filled with loving and kind words for us.


We cannot fully express our sincere appreciation for the incredible work that the staff at ACCESS does on a daily basis. Receiving such kind and thoughtful expressions from the staff is truly heartwarming and satisfying.


"From the bottom of our broken hearts,

Thank you for the life-saving work that you do"


Rich & Bernadette

YOUTH ON FIRE

48 doses of narcan

48 doses of narcan

On Thursday August 1, 2024 we visited Youth On Fire located in Harvard Square Cambridge. We were greeted by Assistant Program Director Katherine Sloss-Hartman and her staff. We also met Joshua who works for the Home For Little Wanderers whose organization supports and operates Youth On Fire.


We delivered 35 backpacks and the dozens of supplies needed to fill them. We individually boxed up the backpacks, men's & women's socks, hairbrushes, men's & women's underwear, comb's, water bottles, sunglasses, sunscreen, antibacterial wipes, Band-Aids, Chap Stick, and all of our hygiene products like deodorant, shave cream, razors, shampoo, conditioner, Tampax, toothbrushes and toothpaste.


  

Youth On Fire is part of the Cambridge Cares About Aids program. Now a program of 

“The Home For Little Wanderers”

Youth On Fire is located at 1 Church Street, Cambridge

Check us on Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/YouthOnFireMA

DROP-IN HOURS

Monday: 11:00 AM to 8 PM

Tuesday: 1:00 PM to 6 PM

Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday: 11:00 AM to 6 PM

48 doses of narcan

48 doses of narcan

48 doses of narcan

During our visit, we also provided Youth On Fire with 2 cases of Naloxone, commonly known as Narcan. Each case contains 24 

4 mg doses of this life-saving nasal spray that can be used to reverse an opioid overdose.


Rich and Katherine posed for a quick photo in front of the dozens of individually boxed items that Ricky, Inc. provided.


"Thank you to Katherine and her staff for the great work that they do helping teens and young adults through their struggles with life's crises through this valuable program".



july & August 2024 backpack, narcan & supplies distributions

New England Patriots Training Camp

Patriots "game-day" communications director

Patriots "game-day" communications director

On Friday July 26, 2024 Ricky, Inc. was invited to host a table on the fan walk-way into the New England Patriots Opening Day of Training Camp. 


Good friend, volunteer and longtime supporter Doug Jasset accompanied Rich and helped to give out dozens of informational pamphlets, doses of Narcan, 100 purple memorial bracelets, gave out tee shirts and collected a few donations along the way.


Thank you to Doug for his friendship and dedication and continuing to help spread the word about our cause.


Pictured above (L-R) is Ricky, Inc.'s 


Volunteer Doug Jasset


"Patriot Paul" with his Rifle.

 Paul Brunelle is a member of the 

New England Patriots’ End Zone Militia  

 Each Militia member is garbed in over a dozen items of clothing when dressed in full costume for a game. All costume pieces must be considered proper 18th century attire. The clothing is all made entirely of linen, wool, leather or steel with no polyester or artificial fabric. Paul's rifle has numerous autographs/carvings on its wooden parts, including Tom Brady's.

 

and Rich Giacoppo

Patriots "game-day" communications director

Patriots "game-day" communications director

Patriots "game-day" communications director

After practice we were invited to go out onto the field by the Patriots Training Camp Staff and take a few photos. We took a few personal photos and a couple of group photos with the staff.


While at our booth, we were visited by family member and great friend to Ricky, Inc. Dan Famosi. Dan is the "game-day" communications director and is responsible for the headsets and communications for the Patriots Coaches during all games, home & away, including playoffs and Super Bowls. 


Dan is well known as the guy in the "Yellow Hat" on sidelines during games. He has been with the Patriots for over 24 years and has five Super Bowl rings to show for his dedicated hard work.


Thanks to Dan & Carol Famosi for their love and kindness these past few years and continuing to support us.

mothers and children reunification program

mothers and children reunification program

mothers and children reunification program

On Monday July 22, 2024 we visited the Behavioral Health Network in Dorchester, MA. where they provide a mother and child reunification program. 


Ricky, Inc.'s Rich Giacoppo and new volunteer Bill Beatty met with the program director Elizabeth James-Divens and delivered 24 backpacks to the program. 12 of the female BP's were filled with the usual hygiene and clothing products that we regularly supply. The other 12 backpacks were filled with toy's that were individually selected for their children by their mothers and purchased by our Vice President Bernadette Giacoppo. One expectant mother also received a brand new Graco infant car seat.


Thank you to Elizabeth and her staff for their dedication and hard work for families and their constant support of Ricky, Inc.


Pictured above (L-R)

Carlotta Richardson - Clinical Supervisor

Bill Beatty - Ricky, Inc. Volunteer

Elizabeth James Divens - Program Director

Carol Duberry - Recovery Specialist

Rich Giacoppo - Ricky, Inc. President

Geralyn Skinner - Medication Specialist

Rachida Allouch - Counselor

veterans administration services

mothers and children reunification program

mothers and children reunification program

On Wednesday July 24, 2024 Rich visited the Veterans Administration in Jamacia Plain, MA. where he met with Mary Peak from the Volunteer Services Division.


Mary has been a staple of support for Ricky, Inc. throughout these past 4+ years and has always accepted our backpack donations with enthusiasm and appreciation. Today was our fourth visit making Backpack donations to the valuable programs that Mary and many others provide to our deserving veterans at this Boston location. 


The VA Boston operates a methadone clinic for homeless veterans with substance use disorder (SUD) and a Men's and Women's Residential substance treatment program. Both of these programs have, and will continue to receive backpacks from Ricky, Inc. filled with hygiene products, seasonal clothing and a Veterans Specific Resource Manual. Each backpack also contained 2 doses of the life-saving nasal spray naloxone (Narcan).


Above, Mary Peak receives the backpacks from Rich in front of the Ricky, Inc. van and presented him with a thoughtful Thank You letter from Matthew Edwards, the Chief of Voluntary Services.


Thank you to Mary for her support and we look forward to meeting her many more times to assist our veterans and show our appreciation to them.


"God Bless our Veterans"

2024 MYRA h. KRAFT COMMUNITY MVP - GRAND PRIZE AWARD

GRAND PRIZE WINNER

GRAND PRIZE WINNER

GRAND PRIZE WINNER

 On Thursday June 6, 2024 Ricky, Inc.'s President Rich Giacoppo was present at a Luncheon & Awards Ceremony at Gillette Stadium hosted by the Kraft Family, the New England Patriots Foundation - Celebrate Volunteerism and Gillette.


We at Ricky Inc. “Respecting Individuals with Care and Kindness You matter” are proud to announce our volunteer, Rich Giacoppo was awarded the “2024 Myra Kraft Community MVP Award” Grand Prize of $25,000 for Ricky, Inc. 


He was among 25 other outstanding individuals nominated from across New England receiving awards from over 300 applicants. 

This award ceremony recognizes volunteers who exemplify leadership, dedication and a commitment to serving their community. 


” I am honored and humbled to be among such dedicated individuals that go above and beyond in their dedication in serving their community. To be considered for this award which is named in honor of Myra Kraft who exhibited a lifetime of volunteerism throughout her life and the entire Kraft family is truly an honor.”


Rich is literally the heart and soul of Ricky Inc. from arranging rides to detox, court, making himself available 24/7. He arranges scholarships to sober living homes, visits veteran’s shelters, visits at risk youth through AIDS Action Committee, offers trainings on how to use lifesaving Narcan and distributes Narcan to anyone that requests it and filling much needed backpacks with numerous items such as hygiene products, seasonal clothing, socks, a Resource Manual on where and how to get help and much more. 


But, most importantly Rich takes the time to listen, to be present for men and women that are unhoused, suffering from the disease of substance use disorder and mental health issues. A handshake, a hug, and a person on the other end of the phone when most needed…. that is who Rich is.


Ricky, Inc. is an all-volunteer small nonprofit and the award to Ricky, Inc. through Rich will allow us to continue our love and commitment to a community that deserves our support, in a nonjudgmental way stamping out the stigma that individuals we serve often face. We do this as a way of honoring our beloved sons Ricky & Nicholas’ memories. 


Pictured above;


Patriots Pro Football Hall of Famer Andre Tippett (far left), Gillette’s VP of Communications & Community Affairs, Global Grooming, Kara Buckley, Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft and President of the New England Patriots Foundation Josh Kraft, congratulate Richard Giacoppo from Ricky, Inc. for being selected as the 2024 Myra Kraft Community MVP Award grand prize winner. 


During the June 6 luncheon, the Kraft family, the Patriots Foundation and Gillette awarded $275,000 in grants to 26 New England nonprofits. Ricky, Inc. received a $25,000 grant in honor of Richard’s volunteer efforts. 


(photo courtesy of Eric J. Adler/New England Patriots)

26 award recipients

GRAND PRIZE WINNER

GRAND PRIZE WINNER

 NE Patriots Foundation Press Release:


Since 1998, the Kraft family and the New England Patriots Foundation have been recognizing volunteers for going above and beyond to give back to their communities through the Myra Kraft Community MVP Awards program. Formerly known as the Community Quarterback Awards, this volunteer recognition was renamed in 2011 in memory of Myra Kraft. 


“Every year, nonprofit organizations across New England put forth candidates that demonstrate what volunteerism and giving back truly is and who represent the very best of our community,” said Robert Kraft, Chairman and CEO of the Patriots. “My late wife Myra, of blessed memory, was passionate about giving back and making a difference in people’s lives. I am proud to see her legacy of volunteerism upheld through these awards, celebrating those who selflessly serve their communities as true Community MVPs.” Gillette, a longtime supporter of the New England Patriots and a cornerstone partner of the Patriots Foundation, served as the presenting sponsor for this year’s program. 


On hand to congratulate the award winners were President of the New England Patriots Foundation Josh Kraft; Patriots, College and Pro Football Hall of Famer and Patriots Executive Director of Community Affairs Andre Tippett; and Gillette’s VP of Communications & Community Affairs, Global Grooming, Kara Buckley. 


“This program is incredibly important to our family, it’s one of our favorites that we do each year,” said Josh Kraft, President of the New England Patriots Foundation. “It is our honor to read hundreds of stories about volunteers who are committed to making their community a better place. We are privileged to once again partner with our good friends at Gillette to recognize these outstanding volunteers.” 


"These 26 volunteers and the nonprofit organizations they support are making a profound impact within our local community," said Kara Buckley, Vice President of Communications & Community Affairs at Gillette. "We are grateful to the Kraft Family and New England Patriots for recognizing them with this meaningful award. As a brand, we have long championed the significance of inspiring role models, and these Myra Kraft Community MVPs exemplify the very best of the best." 


Richard Giacoppo of Norwood, Mass. was selected as this year’s $25,000 grand prize winner for his volunteer


“It is an honor to be selected for this award from such distinguished and important organizations, they are legendary in New England for their compassion and generosity towards nonprofit organizations and persons in need. I am truly humbled by this and honored to be a recipient of such an outstanding and recognizable award.”


“The most important aspect of this award is that this donation will help us to reach many more people in crisis and allow us to continue our mission of helping those persons experiencing homelessness, substance use disorder and mental health concerns”, said Richard. “I do this to keep the memory of my sons Ricky & Nicholas alive and do something positive that they would be proud of. My real reward is seeing and hearing from the individuals on the streets whose lives that we do effect when we encounter them in their environment." 


The 2024 Myra Kraft Community MVP winners range from 14 to 85 years old and represent four of the six New England states. The selected nonprofits provide support for many causes, including education, food insecurity, grief support, healthcare, homelessness, mental health, violence prevention and more. 

Since its inception, the Myra Kraft Community MVP Awards program has recognized more than 500 volunteers and donated more than $3.75 million to support nonprofit organizations across New England. 


The Kraft family and the New England Patriots Foundation received close to 300 applications this year from nonprofit organizations looking to recognize their outstanding volunteers. Nominations open every February and the awards are open to all nonprofit organizations in the New England region. 


For more information on the Myra Kraft Community MVP Awards, please visit www.patriots.com/community  


(photo courtesy of Eric J. Adler/New England Patriots)

images from the awards ceremony

Brothers and fellow Board members

 Rich & Scott Giacoppo

A New England Patriots Legend

Hall of Fame Linebacker Andre Tippett

Personalized ceremonial award football 

Christopher, Rich & Bernadette Giacoppo enjoying the moment at Gillette.


Rich strongly feels that Bernadette's name should be on the award as well because this would not be possible without her hard work & dedication.

Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft addresses the award recipients and their guests during the luncheon

Having realized that Ricky, Inc. has just won the grand prize, Rich thinks about Ricky & Nick

Rich is overcome with emotion as this journey has been extremely difficult to navigate over the past 5-years

Christopher Giacoppo helps his Dad to the stage to receive his award.

Rich had a total hip replacement surgery 7-days before the event.

Rich accepting the grand prize from Robert Kraft

Giving thanks to all, especially those from above, as Robert Kraft and Kara Buckley cheers him on.


A true Hall-Of-Famer, Andre Tippett is ready in case there is a fumble. 

The Giacoppo's admiring the six NFL World Champion Lombardi Trophies


Special thanks go out to Christopher & Scott for escorting Rich around Gillette Stadium in a wheelchair. 


If not for them, he would not have been able to attend this event

Christopher proudly showing the world that we have SIX Lombardi's.


That's right Peyton.... "SIX" 

Supporting our veterans

backpacks for homeless veterans

backpacks for homeless veterans

backpacks for homeless veterans

On Thursday February 28, 2024 Ricky, Inc. hosted a table at the VFW on Winn Street in Burlington, MA. during the bi-weekly "Breakfast & Coffee for a Vet".


This event is held in different locations throughout Middlesex County and provides a valuable resource for veterans that may be struggling with many different life difficulties, including homelessness. It is hosted by the Middlesex County Sheriffs Association, Disabled and Limbless Veterans and the VFW.


Ricky, Inc. was able to distribute "26" backpacks to the veterans that attended and received resource information from Rich.


Pictured above is (L-R) Marcel Haddad, Rich Giacoppo, Mike Giacoppo, Richie Reddican and one of our valued veterans.

informational support

backpacks for homeless veterans

backpacks for homeless veterans

As always, Ricky, Inc. was available to provide important information to our veterans.


Included in each of our backpacks was a very detailed resource manual specially designed to help veterans. 


This booklet contained dozens of pages of contact information on addiction services (substance use disorder), detox centers, shelters for veterans, suicide detection & prevention, how to get meals and clothing, transitional housing support, women's veterans services, mental health support, how to avoid scams and accidental overdose using pain medication.

backpack contents

backpacks for homeless veterans

backpack contents

The contents of our backpacks was on display for our veterans to see what their new backpack would contain.


Each backpack contained the following:

Winter hat, winter gloves, scarf, fleece blanket, thermal blanket, three pairs of socks, wipes, combs, foot powder, tissues, band aids, bacitracin, condoms, and a hygiene kit including shampoo, shave cream, razors, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrush, toothbrush case and the all-important Ricky, Inc. Veterans Resource Manual.


Each veteran stopped by our table, received their backpack and told us how incredibly grateful they were for Ricky, Inc. and that they really appreciated and needed these materials.


Ricky, Inc. would like to thank each and every veteran for their service to our country and remind them that we are here to help them in any way that we can. 

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