PATRIOTS College and Pro Football Hall of Famer and Patriots Executive Director of Community Affairs Andre Tippett, left, and Gillette’s VP of Communications & Community Affairs, Global Grooming, Kara Buckley flank Connor Wright at the ceremony.
FOXBOROUGH – Lynnfield’s Connor Wright was recognized by the New England Patriots Foundation recently for his work on Connor’s Kindness Project.
On Thursday, June 6, the Kraft Family and New England Patriots Foundation celebrated the 2024 Myra Kraft Community MVP Award Winners. They recognized 26 volunteers, including Connor, 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 Ricky, Inc. received this year’s grand prize of $25,000.
Connor’s Kindness Project seeks to improve the wellbeing of children dealing with a serious medical issue, mental health condition, unfortunate family crisis, or a homeless or poverty situation with its Kindness Kit distribution program. The organization also has a Kindness Club program which focuses on encouraging kindness amongst elementary school age children as a way to promote community and inclusiveness.
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. Formerly known as the Community Quarterback Awards, this volunteer recognition was renamed in 2011 in memory of Myra Kraft.
“Every year, nonprofit organizations across New England put forth candidates that demonstrate what volunteerism and giving back truly is and who represent the very best of our community,” said Robert Kraft, Chairman and CEO of the Patriots. “My late wife Myra, of blessed memory, was passionate about giving back and making a difference in people’s lives. I am proud to see her legacy of volunteerism upheld through these awards, celebrating those who selflessly serve their communities as true Community MVPs.”
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 the New England Patriots Foundation Josh Kraft; 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.
“This program is incredibly important to our family, it’s one of our favorites that we do each year,” said Josh Kraft, President of the New England Patriots Foundation. “It is our honor to read hundreds of stories about volunteers who are committed to making their community a better place. We are privileged to once again partner with our good friends at Gillette to recognize these outstanding volunteers.”
“These 26 volunteers and the nonprofit organizations they support are making a profound impact within our local community,” said Kara Buckley, Vice President of Communications & Community Affairs at Gillette. “We are grateful to the Kraft Family and New England Patriots for recognizing them with this meaningful award. As a brand, we have long championed the significance of inspiring role models, and these Myra Kraft Community MVPs exemplify the very best of the best.”
Richard Giacoppo of Norwood was selected as this year’s $25,000 grand prize winner for his volunteer efforts at Ricky, Inc.
“It is an honor to be selected for this award from such distinguished and important organizations,” said Richard. “They are legendary in New England for their compassion and generosity towards nonprofit organizations and persons in need. I am truly humbled by this and honored to be a recipient of such an outstanding and recognizable award.”
After losing his eldest son Ricky to an accidental overdose in 2019, Richard founded Ricky, Inc. to give relief to those suffering from substance use disorder and homelessness. He trains individuals on the proper use of the lifesaving spray Narcan, having distributed more than 550 doses to people and organizations. He frequently visits the area known as Methadone Mile in Boston, where he puts himself at risk to speak about sobriety and distribute more than 2,300 backpacks filled with essential items. In 2023, he helped 32 individuals through Ricky Inc.’s sponsorship program, providing almost $30,000 towards first month’s rent to certified sober homes.
In April 2023, Richard suffered another unfathomable tragedy when they lost their youngest son Nicholas. Despite the pain and suffering that comes with losing not one but two children, Richard has been able to keep his determination to help others and works hard every day to honor his sons.
“The most important aspect of this award is that this donation will help us to reach many more people in crisis and allow us to continue our mission of helping those persons experiencing homelessness, substance use disorder and mental health concerns,” said Richard. “I do this to keep the memory of my sons Ricky & Nicholas alive and do something positive that they would be proud of. My real reward is seeing and hearing from the individuals on the streets whose lives that we do effect when we encounter them in their environment.”
The 2024 Myra Kraft Community MVP winners range from 14 to 85 years old and represent four of the six New England states. The selected nonprofits provide support for many causes, including education, food insecurity, grief support, healthcare, homelessness, mental health, violence prevention and more.
Since its inception, the Myra Kraft Community MVP Awards program has recognized more than 500 volunteers and donated more than $3.75 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.
