Press Release
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 hosts a special luncheon each year to show their appreciation for local volunteers.
On Wednesday, Aug. 11, 26 volunteers were recognized for their contributions at an awards ceremony at Gillette Stadium. 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.
On hand to congratulate the award winners were 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.
“This marks the tenth year that this program has been named in memory of my sweetheart, Myra,” said Robert Kraft. “The past 18 months have been unlike anything we’ve experienced in our lifetime. During these challenging times, these 26 honorees stepped up to serve more children and families than ever before. We admire their selfless dedication and we know that Myra is smiling down on all of them.”
Jennifer Blum of Fairhaven, Mass. was recognized for her volunteer efforts and a $10,000 donation was presented to the Help SAVE Foundation.
After surviving 13 years of mental and physical abuse, Jennifer created the nonprofit, which stands for, “Survivors Advocating for Violence Education.” Since 2015, she has been speaking with youth about dating violence and sharing her personal experiences.
Jennifer leads programs to educate law enforcement and social service professionals about the challenges faced by domestic violence victims when they come forward. She advocates for survivors as they navigate through the legal system, provides them with essential care items and teaches them how to be self-sufficient.
“I am incredibly honored to be receiving this important award,” said Jennifer. “Myra’s work in our communities and overseas in Israel has had a huge impact on so many lives. To me, being a recipient of this award means that I too am making an impact on those who I’ve helped.”
“We at The Help SAVE Foundation are so proud to have Jennifer selected as a recipient of the 2021 Myra Kraft Community MVP Award,” said the nonprofit in a statement. “Her dedication to helping families affected by domestic violence doesn’t go unnoticed in our communities. Year after year her goal is to help more families deal with the impacts of domestic violence and she does. Many families are now safe and thriving due to her tireless commitment. It has been truly amazing watching her turn her own horrible experiences with domestic violence into something so positive and helpful to others.”
“I will continue to help those in our communities affected by domestic violence,” said Jennifer. “I will continue to educate on the dangers of domestic violence and I will continue to help victims become survivors.”
The 2021 Myra Kraft Community MVP winners range from 21 to 92 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.
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.
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