More than 400 people turned out for the official launch event of the new “Protect and Serve” specialty license plates and helped raise more than $1.5 million for the Benevolent Fund to help families of first responders killed or seriously injured in the line of duty.

“Our men and women put their lives on the line every day and it’s important that we support their families and loved ones when tragedy strikes,” said SPAM President. “These specialty plates will go a long way toward helping us continue to assist families in need when they find themselves suddenly in the worst of unforeseen circumstances.”

The gala was held Nov. 4 at the Renaissance Hotel on Congress Street in Boston. Attendees bid on a wide variety of auction items, including the right to purchase the lowest numbered plates. Plates 1-12 were auctioned off in a live auction and plate number 1 sold for $150,000, which is believed to be the highest amount ever paid for a special plate in Massachusetts.

The “Protect and Serve” plate is now available through the state Registry of Motor Vehicles. The plates cost $40, of which $28 goes directly to the SPAM Benevolent Fund in the first year. When plates are renewed in two years, all $40 goes directly to the fund.

The fund provides financial assistance to first responders and their families during times when they are unable to perform their duties due to extended illness or injury and provides resources to families that have lost a member of the public safety community.

Created by the State Police Association of Massachusetts in 2010, the fund was set up to help families of first responders when they need it most. To date, the fund has provided more than $600,000 in assistance to the families of state troopers, police officers, firefighters and other public safety personnel killed or seriously injured on duty. This assistance is often crucial for families as they are suddenly faced with lost income, home or utility bills, funeral or medical costs, and other unforeseen expenses.

Plates are available for purchase at the RMV website under the “Special Plate” section, or by clicking here: Protect & Serve Special License Plate