Massachusetts Low-Number 'United We Stand' License Plate Auction to Benefit Families of 9/11

BOSTON, April 20 -- Want a low-number Massachusetts license plate? Now's your chance, and you'll be helping neighbors in need. The state's "United We Stand" license plates -- numbers 101-999 -- are now being sold through a special online "silent auction" organized by the Massachusetts 9/11 Fund, in cooperation with the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles.

The auction -- at www.massfund.org -- started April 7 and has already received over 100 bids. It ends on May 3.

Money raised in the auction will go to the MA 9/11 Fund to continue their support of the 250 families who lost a loved one on September 11, 2001, and who are still in need of help. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Commonwealth Security Trust which funds education and memorials for police and fire departments across the state.

A live auction, hosted by WCVB-TVs Natalie Jacobson will be held on May 3 at Boston's Fenway Park 406 Club, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. The live auction features the 30 "highest-interest" plates identified through the silent auction. These 30 plates will be separated from the silent auction on Wednesday, April 28, 2004 at 6 pm. Bidding will continue throughout the week, with a gala live auction of the highest interest numbers slated to cap off the month-long event. Bidding for the remainder of the numbers available for silent online auction will end on May 3 at 6:00 p.m.

"I am so proud that my Administration has been able to help the Mass 9/11 Fund and the families they serve," said Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney. "Thanks to the tireless efforts of many people at the Fund and in state government, we have been able to create these beautiful plates as a tribute to all of those lost on September 11, 2001. I hope that many of our citizens will take the opportunity to purchase these special plates and support the Mass 9/11 Fund as it continues to provide emotional and financial support to so many families."

In December 2002, the Massachusetts 9/11 Fund auctioned off United We Stand license plates numbered 1-99, raising over $600,000. Plate number 1 alone brought an incredible $100,000 to MA 9/11 families.

Out of respect for the families, numbers 11, 77, 93, 175, 666, and 911 will not be issued. Four digit United We Stand plates are available now at the Registry of Motor Vehicles.

"This is an excellent opportunity for Massachusetts drivers to show their true colors by bidding on these patriotic plates," said Registrar of Motor Vehicles Kimberly Hinden. "The money raised in the auction will benefit Massachusetts families and serve as a reminder that their loved ones will never be forgotten. This is a worthy and noble cause."

Massachusetts 9/11 Fund President Faith Arter said, "We know that the needs of many families are still ongoing, particularly in the area of mental health expenses. Governor Romney and Registrar Hinden have really stepped up to help out the families of 9/11 who need our continued support and assistance."

In addition to bids made in the fundraising auction, people buying the special-issue United We Stand plates must also pay the standard $40 license plate fee and, if applicable, $20 transfer fee. New car buyers are responsible for all registration fees.

The legislation establishing the license plates allocates 75% of revenue to the MA 9/11 Fund and 25% to the Commonwealth Security Trust.

The entry fee to the auction is $50.00 in advance and $75.00 at the door. Advance registration and additional information about the "United We Stand" license plates is available from the Massachusetts 9/11 Fund, www.massfund.org or 1-866-FUND-911 or at the Registry of Motor Vehicles website, www.mass.gov/rmv.