FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Dan MacPherson; DMacPherson@kraftse.com; 774-226-3031
ROBERT KRAFT AND THE NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS FOUNDATION DONATE $275,000 IN THE NAMES OF 2020 MYRA KRAFT COMMUNITY MVP AWARD WINNERS
Twenty-six New Englanders were honored by the Kraft family during a virtual ceremony on Oct. 30.
Ryan DeRoche of Melrose, Mass. receives $10,000 donation for The United Spinal Association of Greater Boston.
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Every year since 1998, the Kraft family and the New England Patriots have been celebrating those who give their time to help others. The program was originally known as the Community Quarterback Awards and were presented to those who exemplify leadership, dedication and a commitment to improving their communities through volunteerism.
In 2011, the awards were renamed in honor of the late Myra Kraft who committed her life to volunteering. As part of the New England Patriots Foundation’s ongoing Celebrate Volunteerism initiative, the Kraft family traditionally hosts a special ceremony at Gillette Stadium to celebrate the honorees.
On Friday, Oct. 30, the Kraft family and the New England Patriots hosted a virtual ceremony to celebrate 26 volunteers from all across New England. Twenty-five organizations received grants of $10,000 in honor of their outstanding volunteers and one grand prize winner received a surprise $25,000 donation.
Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft, New England Patriots Foundation President Joshua Kraft and Patriots and Pro Football Hall of Famer and Patriots Executive Director of Community Affairs Andre Tippett all participated in the virtual ceremony.
“This year has been incredibly challenging for so many families, but it has also been difficult for nonprofits,” said Robert Kraft. “They have been called upon to support more families than ever before, but have been unable to host their traditional fundraising events. Volunteers are the lifeblood of these charitable organizations and they have stepped up in a big way during this unprecedented time. We were honored to be able to meet 26 of these local heroes – albeit virtually – and to be able to shine a spotlight on their volunteer efforts.”
Ryan DeRoche of Melrose, Mass. was recognized as a 2020 Myra Kraft Community MVP Award winner. In honor of his dedication to volunteering, the Kraft family and the New England Patriots Foundation will make a $10,000 donation to the Greater Boston Chapter of the United Spinal Association.
Nine years ago, Ryan broke his neck in a bicycle accident. As he began navigating his road to recovery, he wanted to give back to those in similar situations. Ryan has been volunteering at the Greater Boston Chapter of United Spinal Association for six years.
“It means so much to be recognized by the Kraft family and the New England Patriots for volunteering for an organization that I love and that helped me improve the quality of my life after my injury,” said Ryan. “I volunteer every day because I witness firsthand how important the Greater Boston Chapter of United Spinal Association (GBC) is to the spinal cord injury and disorder (SCI/D) community. Without the GBC, I and so many others would not realize out potential in a world and culture that is still not designed for the disabled.”
Ryan serves as a peer mentor, board member and is their digital media coordinator. He takes clients on adventures, builds their self-esteem and has served as an inspiration to so many.
“The resources and support that our organization provides our peers cannot be matched. This grant will further improve our ability to reach peers and provide crucial resources to the SCI/D community.”
The 2020 Myra Kraft Community MVP winners range from 14 to 97 years old and represent every New England state. The selected nonprofits provide support for many causes, including education, foster care, homelessness, mental health, mentoring, military support and youth development.
The Kraft family and the New England Patriots Foundation received more than 250 applications this year from nonprofit organizations looking to recognize their outstanding volunteers. Nominations open each spring and the awards are open to all nonprofit organizations in the New England region. For more information on the Myra Kraft Community MVP Awards, please visit www.patriots.com/community.
Below is a complete list of the 2020 Myra Kraft Community MVP Award Winners:
$25,000 Grand Prize Winner
First and Last Name Hometown Organization Organization Town
Bonnie Berman Worcester, Mass. The CASA Project of Worcester County Worcester, Mass.
$10,000 Award Winners
First and Last Name Hometown Organization Organization Town
Hannah Addi Franklin, Mass. The Elisha Project E. Providence, R.I.
Alison Bologna Pawtucket, R.I. Shri Service Corps Pawtucket, R.I.
Julie Brennan N. Easton, Mass. We Do Care, Grief & Loss N. Easton, Mass.
Dennis Dean Kittery, Maine A House for ME Kittery, Maine
Ryan DeRoche Melrose, Mass. United Spinal Association Woburn, Mass.
Mary Dibinga Roslindale, Mass. Boston Debate League Boston, Mass.
Lotte Diomede Sudbury, Mass. SMILE Mass Sudbury, Mass.
Joan “Ducky” Donath Burlington, Vt. Sara M. Holbrook Community Center Burlington, Vt.
David Eustace Stoneham, Maine No Limits Foundation Wales, Maine
Michael Faucher Haverhill, Mass. ALS ONE Whitman, Mass.
Carleton “Zeke” Finch Fitchburg, Mass. Habitat for Humanity (N. Central MA) Acton, Mass.
Suzanne Fox Falmouth, Maine The Yellow Tulip Project Falmouth, Maine
Hannah Galvin N. Andover, Mass. Bridge Over Troubled Waters Boston, Mass.
Colleen Garrity Laconia, N.H. Belknap House Laconia, N.H.
Linda Gilley Somers, Conn. Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation Bloomfield, Conn.
Daniel Hebert Hillsboro, N.H. NH Jumpstart Coalition Hillsboro, N.H.
Pat Hubbell Nashua, N.H. Candorful, Inc. Boston, Mass.
Patrick Leahy Bethany, Conn. Saint Thomas More Soup Kitchen New Haven, Conn.
Skyla Libby Jonesport, Maine Crossroads Youth Center Saco, Maine
Kevin Lynch E. Falmouth, Mass. The Quell Foundation N. Falmouth, Mass.
Jason Main Bolton, Mass. Friends Never Forget Bolton, Mass.
Katerina Papadopoulos Stratford, Conn. Norma Pfriem Breast Center Fairfield, Conn.
Joan Philips Pittsfield, Mass. HopeWell, Inc. Dedham, Mass.
Peg Ricardo Tewksbury, Mass. Project Sweet Peas Warwick, R.I.
Michael Rocha Dartmouth, Mass. Boys & Girls Club of Greater New Bedford New Bedford, Mass.
On Friday, Oct. 30, Robert Kraft, Josh Kraft and Andre Tippett participated in a virtual ceremony honoring the 2020 Myra Kraft Community MVP Award winners. Twenty-six volunteers were recognized for their efforts at nonprofit organizations from all across New England.
--PATRIOTS--