For the past 25 years, the Kraft family and the New England Patriots Foundation have been recognizing volunteers for going above and beyond to give back to their communities through the Myra Kraft Community MVP Awards program. Formerly known as the Community Quarterback Awards, this volunteer recognition was renamed in 2011 in memory of Myra Kraft.
On Thursday, June 8, 26 volunteers were recognized for their contributions at an awards ceremony at Gillette Stadium. In total, $275,000 in donations were distributed to the nonprofits represented by each volunteer. Twenty-five organizations each received $10,000 and the Brian Dagle Foundation received this year’s grand prize of $25,000.
“Hundreds of nonprofit organizations annually nominate candidates to be recognized and hearing the heartwarming stories of volunteerism restores faith in all humanity,” said Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft. “Myra loved volunteering and positively impacting the lives of others. I am proud that we continue to honor her legacy of volunteerism in association with this award ceremony and love giving people who do so much for so many the recognition of being a Community MVP.”
Gillette, a longtime supporter of the New England Patriots and a cornerstone partner of the Patriots Foundation, served as the presenting sponsor for this year’s program. On hand to congratulate the award winners were President of Kraft Family Philanthropies Josh Kraft; Patriots, College and Pro Football Hall of Famer and Patriots Executive Director of Community Affairs Andre Tippett; and Procter & Gamble’s VP of Communications & Community Affairs, Global Grooming, Kara Buckley.
“Each year we have the privilege of reading hundreds of stories about volunteers who go above and beyond to build stronger New England communities,” said Josh Kraft. “This program is incredibly important to my family and we are honored to celebrate these remarkable individuals for their commitment to volunteerism. We are excited to once again partner with our good friends at Gillette for this year’s program.”
“We are proud to help recognize this incredible group of volunteers and the nonprofit organizations they serve, who all make a meaningful difference in our local community everyday,” said John Claughton, Vice President, North America Gillette. “Their stories are powerful, and their contributions are immense, and we are thankful that the Kraft Family and the New England Patriots Foundation are giving them this very special award. Our brand has long championed the importance of positive role models and there is no better example than these Myra Kraft Community MVPs.”
For the past 25 years, the Kraft family and the New England Patriots Foundation have been recognizing volunteers for going above and beyond to give back to their communities through the Myra Kraft Community MVP Awards program. Formerly known as the Community Quarterback Awards, this volunteer recognition was renamed in 2011 in memory of Myra Kraft.
Toby Whitney of Reading, Mass. was recognized as one of this year’s honorees and presented with a $10,000 donation for Mission of Deeds Inc.
When Toby retired from construction in 2015, he began consistently volunteering with Mission of Deeds. Mission of Deeds provides beds, furniture and household goods, free of charge, to those in need. Toby repairs furniture to ensure everything that is donated is in good condition. He also leads the Mission of Deeds workshop.
“I am accepting this award on behalf of all Mission of Deeds volunteers, a wonderful group of people who are an inspiration to work with,” said Toby. “I enjoy using the skills that I learned in many years as a contractor to help people in need, but I never expected that my volunteering would lead to anything like this.”
A creative thinker, Toby has made 550 coffee tables out of excess table leaves to reduce costs. He volunteers one full day a week but will volunteer daily during major projects as if he were still running his own construction business.
“I deeply appreciate being recognized by the Patriots Foundation,” said Toby. “I am especially humbled that the award is named after Myra Kraft. My thanks to everyone at the Patriots organization for the honor and for encouraging volunteerism.”
The 2023 Myra Kraft Community MVP winners range from 21 to 80 years old and represent every New England state. The selected nonprofits provide support for many causes, including education, domestic violence prevention, healthcare, homelessness, mentoring and military support.
Since its inception, the Myra Kraft Community MVP Awards program has recognized more than 475 volunteers and donated more than $3.5 million to support nonprofit organizations across New England.
The Kraft family and the New England Patriots Foundation received more than 350 applications this year from nonprofit organizations looking to recognize their outstanding volunteers. Nominations open every February and the awards are open to all nonprofit organizations in the New England region.
