Photos: Rob Gronkowski Makes His First Public Appearance In Boston Since Retiring

Now retired tight end Rob Gronkowski knows how to make people laugh, and that’s exactly what he did at the annual Make-A-Wish Gala at the InterContinental Hotel Saturday night. This was Gronk’s very first public appearance since his announcement.

Eight-year-old Ryan Feeney was one of the kids who attended the event. The kid jumped out of his seat at the moment Gronk walked into the ballroom. Feeney went to greet the retired tight end and his girlfriend, Camille Kostek. Gronk donned a tan suit, and Kostek looked great in her taupe gown.

Feeney has already met Gronk in September 2017. Gronk appeared at the unveiling of the Patriots-themed backyard football field at Feeney’s home in Melrose. Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island organized the big day for Feeney. The eight-year-old was born with a genetic disorder and had below-knee amputation on his right leg when he was just two.

Scenes of the fun way were shown during the gala as part of the tribute video for Gronk and his role in the foundation. During his nine years with the Patriots, Gronk granted 14 wishes, and Feeney was one of them. Gronk was honored with the 2019 Wish Hero Award.

“To know that of all things that a kid could choose to do, it’s a very, very humbling experience to know that these kids choose to meet me,” Gronkowski said. Upon receiving his great award, Gronk made his way to the stage, and Feeney was right next to him.

“It was an eye-opening experience to see what the children were going through, yet they all still managed to smile when my teammates and I came into the room,” Gronkowski said. “And I’m sorry, Camille, the moms got a little bit frisky, too, when I walked in.”

“Midway through my first season, the Make-A-Wish Foundation came to Gillette Stadium with a couple of kids who wanted to meet,” he added. “Tom Brady. As soon as the kids saw Tom, their faces lit up, which how could you not when looking at the beautiful Tom?”

Later in the night, Gronk took the stage again to help auction off a VIP package of four tickets to a regular-season Patriots game.

“These seats are fantastic,” Gronkowski said. “Camille, aren’t they?”

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