FOXBOROUGH, Massachusetts — On Tuesday, June 3, the Kraft Family and New England Patriots Foundation celebrated the 2025 Myra Kraft Community MVP Award Winners. They recognized 26 volunteers for their contributions to the New England community 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 BASE received this year’s grand prize of $25,000. 

Since 1998, 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. 

“This year, once again, we have seen an inspiring group of individuals put forward by nonprofits from across New England – people who demonstrate compassion, dedication, and the power of service,” said Robert Kraft, Chairman and CEO of the Patriots. “My late wife, Myra, of blessed memory, believed deeply in the importance of giving back and creating lasting change in the lives of others. It means so much to see our values reflected in these honorees, whose commitment to their communities exemplifies the Community MVP Awards.” 

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 Patriots, College and Pro Football Hall of Famer and Patriots Executive Director of Community Affairs Andre Tippett and Gillette’s VP of Communications & Community Affairs, Global Grooming, Kara Buckley. 

“We are honored to help celebrate the 2025 Myra Kraft Community MVPs—individuals whose tireless service and compassion make our communities stronger every day,” said Kara Buckley, Vice President of Community Affairs at Gillette. “Their stories are a powerful reminder of the profound impact that acts of courage and generosity can have on those around us. At Gillette, we believe in celebrating those who bring out the best in others and we are proud to partner with the Kraft family and the New England Patriots Foundation to recognize these remarkable volunteers who embody that ideal.” 

Maureen Keeley of Portland, Maine was recognized as one of this year’s honorees and presented with a $10,000 donation for The Center for Grieving Children. 

“Volunteering at The Center for Grieving Children is one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I have the honor to bear witness during one of the most difficult times in a person’s life.  To help create a space where people feel safe to walk through their grief journey is a privilege,” said Maureen. “I learned in my training and the years that have followed that listening with an open heart and being present for our participants would, when they are ready, provide them with a space to share their grief in a way that is comfortable for them.” 

Maureen has been volunteering for 17 years working specifically with children ages 7-9 years old in the bereavement program. She creates and maintains a safe space for grieving children to identify feelings and emotions after a death, including development activities. Maureen prepares weekly for appointments with children, grows trust from the children and models support and stability for the group members. 

“My group are children 7-10 years old. Through arts, crafts, and games we are able to create an environment that promotes discussion, tears, and yes - laughter. What I have learned from these wise souls is beyond words. They support one another and know we will always be here as they learn how to live a new normal,” said Maureen. “It is an honor to receive this recognition in Mrs. Kraft’s name. She learned at an early age that if you reach your hand out to someone in need it has the power of assisting them and building stronger, kinder, and healthier communities. The kindness she shared is beyond measure and it is my hope that I can continue to live up to this honor and her memory.” 

Cheryl Ramsay of Topsham, Maine was recognized as one of this year’s honorees and presented with a $10,000 donation for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Maine. 

“It’s difficult to put into words what this award truly means to me. I’m deeply humbled and honored to be recognized among such remarkable individuals—past, present, and future. To be associated, even in the smallest way, with the legacy of Myra Kraft is beyond anything I could have imagined,” said Cheryl. “In all honesty, I didn’t intentionally set out on a path of altruism. Life threw me a curveball, and like so many others, I responded in the moment. The heartache of the ambiguous loss of my boys to mental illness and addiction transformed into purpose—a drive to ensure that others don’t feel alone in this journey. In a world where answers are often elusive, simply knowing you’re not alone can mean everything.” 

NAMI Maine was created to provide education, advocacy, and support to the entire state of Maine surrounding mental health initiatives. Cheryl has served as a volunteer for 20 years, and now serves as board president. Despite losing her son last year, Cheryl continuously guides decisions, provides wise and needed counsel, and provides resources to a regional group of people that care about mental health for Mainers. 

“After losing my son Derek last year, that purpose has only deepened. The pain remains, but so does a fierce commitment to connecting with other parents who have experienced similar loss. Helen Keller said, “The bend in the road is not the end of the road unless you fail to take the turn.” I’ve taken many turns—and with each one, I’ve grown more grateful for the lessons, and the people, this path has brought into my life,” said Cheryl. “Finally, I want to sincerely thank NAMI Maine for nominating me. I would be remiss not to acknowledge the extraordinary work the entire team does every day—whether it’s supporting individuals and families, advocating for better policies, or responding with compassion and strength during crises like the shooting tragedy in Lewiston in October 2023. This award is as much a reflection of their work as it is of mine.”

The 2025 Myra Kraft Community MVP winners range from 21 to 94 years old and represent all six New England states. The selected nonprofits provide support for many causes, including education, animals, sports, food insecurity, grief support, healthcare, military, homelessness, mental health and more. 

Since its inception, the Myra Kraft Community MVP Awards program has recognized more than 525 volunteers and donated more than $4 million to support nonprofit organizations across New England. 

The Kraft family and the New England Patriots Foundation received close to 300 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. 

For more information on the Myra Kraft Community MVP Awards, please visit www.patriots.com/community.