Ex-Patriots Welker and Light team up, offering chance to go to AFC title game

As teammates with the Patriots, Wes Welker and Matt Light played in two Super Bowls together. Now, as Welker tries to get to the big game again -- this time by beating the Patriots as a member of the Broncos -- the receiver and the offensive tackle are teaming up again.

To benefit each player's respective foundation, they're holding a raffle that will send a winner and three guests to Sunday's AFC championship game with all expenses paid and a chance to meet Welker for photos and autographs.

"We thought this was a great way to join forces to help at-risk kids who need a helping hand," Light said. "We couldn’t imagine a better football rematch – the Patriots against the Broncos in Denver – all for the chance to advance to the Super Bowl. It’s a ticket everyone wants!"

Both the Light Foundation and the Wes Welker Foundation are centered around the joint mission of improving the lives of young people and helping them to become leaders, and their Celebrities for Charity raffle runs through Friday at 3 p.m. Tickets are $2 each, with a minimum of five chances per person, but no maximum.

In addition to tickets to the game, and the meet-and-greet with Welker, the prize also includes airfare (up to $2,600) if the winner needs to travel (say, from New England), as well as:

• two nights' hotel accommodations at Denver's Ritz-Carlton;


• a 25-minute Ritz-Carlton spa treatment for each person;


• dinner for four at Elway's (John Elway's steakhouse);


• a "Keep the Keel Spirit" gift basket from Light's KEEL Vodka;


• $500 for ground transportation and other expenses;


• cash to cover the tax obligations.

Light won't be in Denver for the game, as he is instead hosting a viewing party at Toby Keith's I Love this Bar & Grill at Patriots Place in Foxborough, beginning at noon. Admission is $30, with all proceeds going to the Light Foundation, and the party will feature live music, trivia, celebrities, football squares, raffles and giveaways.

Welker, conversely, will be in Denver. Just not wearing the uniform most Patriots fans would prefer.