It is inspiring how tragedy brings communities together. The December 13 shooting at Brown University that left two students dead, shook the entire state, especially that community. Then the outpouring of support came flooding in, leaving a heart-shaped Band-Aid on a deep wound. There were words of encouragement and everybody united in this tragedy and wanted the perpetrator to be caught and face justice.
Rhode Island Football Club (RIFC) showed its support with the release of specialty hoodies to benefit Brown University’s Ever True Support Fund, which provides immediate and long-term assistance to students impacted by the tragedy. The hoodies were designed in collaboration with Frog & Toad, a PVD-based design/print studio.
The design was inspired by the artwork of Brown graduate and legendary PVD artist John Peck, who passed away in 2025. The Mad Peck designed and silk-screened concert posters, was a DJ and an underground cartoonist. The hoodie design is based on his 1978 comic-style poster, his most famous work. The hoodie features three words: hope, power and friendship. There are three PVD streets mentioned in the poster that also describe the tight-knit PVD community.
“The words that inspired The Mad Peck were a clear starting point for us, because they represent a community coming together,” Frog & Toad Co-Owner Asher Schofield says. “Honoring his legacy was the best way to develop a fundraiser to help heal a community that he loved.”
“Our hearts are heavy for all affected, yet we are inspired by the unbreakable spirit of the Brown University community, Providence and the entire Ocean State,” Rhode Island FC President David Peart said. “We do not just play for Rhode Island, we belong to it. As a club Anchored in Community, we pledge our support and commitment to the healing process. We stand united with our neighbors, today and through all the days to come.”
RIFC reports that the hoodies have raised $17,000 to this point, with 100% of the proceeds going to the Ever True Support Fund. The team plans to sell them at their online store through the start of the season, which begins with a home game on March 7 at Centreville Bank Stadium. Frog & Toad has hoodies and T-shirts available on their website.
To purchase the hoodie: https://shop.rhodeislandfc.com/products/hope-power-providence-hoodie-by-frog-toad
To purchase T-shirt: https://www.frogandtoadstore.com/hope-power-providence-shirt.html?id=116402138&quantity=1
Brown University’s Ever True Support Fund: https://evertrue.brown.edu