ROBERT KRAFT & THE NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS DONATE $200,000 IN THE NAMES OF 2017 MYRA KRAFT COMMUNITY MVP AWARD WINNERS

Twenty-six New Englanders were honored at Gillette Stadium during the 2017 Myra Kraft Community MVP Awards.
Robert Faherty of Braintree, Mass. wins second prize of $10,000 for Cops for Kids with Cancer.

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.

Back 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 Charitable Foundation’s ongoing Celebrate Volunteerism initiative, the Kraft family hosts a special luncheon each year to show their appreciation for local volunteers.

On Thursday, June 8, 26 volunteers were recognized for their contributions at an awards ceremony at Gillette Stadium. Fifteen local volunteers received a $5,000 grant for the nonprofit organization for which they volunteer. Ten others received grants of $10,000 for their New England-based nonprofit and one grand prize winner was presented with a $25,000 grant for their charity.

“When I purchased the New England Patriots 23 years ago, not only did we set out to build a winning organization, but we also wanted to help build a spirit of giving amongst our fans,” said Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft. “There are some incredible people in our local communities that have dedicated much of their lives to volunteering. In creating the Myra Kraft Community MVP Awards, we wanted to show our appreciation for these outstanding community advocates and offer our support to the causes that are so near and dear to their hearts. We admire their selflessness and thank them for their commitment to making the world a better place.”

On hand to congratulate the award winners were Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft, New England Patriots Charitable Foundation President Joshua Kraft and Patriots and Pro Football Hall of Famer and Patriots Executive Director of Community Affairs Andre Tippett. Patriots players Tom Brady, Julian Edelman and Rob Gronkowski also made a surprise appearance to congratulate the winners.

Robert Faherty of Braintree, Mass. was selected as one of this year’s $10,000 second prize winners.

After a career in public service, Faherty retired from the Boston Police Department as the Superintendent in Chief in 2001. Shortly thereafter, he became involved with a nonprofit organization – Cops for Kids with Cancer – that was started by one of his long-time friends who was also battling cancer.

Following the passing of his friend in 2005, Faherty took over as the CEO of the organization. Over the years, he has helped to raise more than two million dollars to help families cover their living expenses as they underwent treatment.

“I am very grateful for being selected for the 2017 Myra Kraft Community MVP Award, for myself, also past and present Board of Directors of Cops for Kids with Cancer,” said Faherty. “As a Boston Police Officer for 40 years, I served the citizens of Boston. When I retired I volunteered with Cops for Kids with Cancer to help serve all of New England.”

Thanks to Faherty’s leadership, the organization has grown tremendously and they have managed to positively impact more than 500 families battling cancer.

“His commitment to keep this a family oriented charity for those who hit a financial wall due to their child’s diagnosis has provided a constant goal to the board,” said Patricia Eagar, Secretary of Cops for Kids with Cancer. “The Cops for Kids with Cancer funds hit the ground with about 93% going out to the families. This is his ethic.”

The 2017 Myra Kraft Community MVP winners range from 17 to 86 years old and represent every New England state. Winning nonprofits provide support for many causes, including education, domestic violence prevention, healthcare, homelessness, mentoring and military support. The Kraft family and New England Patriots Charitable Foundation received hundreds of 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 2017 Myra Kraft Community MVP Award Winners: