Chaskiesha Figueroa of Lawrence, Mass. wins second prize of $10,000 for Beyond Soccer.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The Kraft family and New England Patriots Charitable Foundation’s Myra Kraft Community MVP Awards place a spotlight on those who give their time to help others and exemplify leadership, dedication and a commitment to improving their communities through volunteerism. Each year, the Kraft family and the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation host the awards program as part of the ongoing Celebrate Volunteerism initiative in honor of Myra Kraft’s example of being a lifelong volunteer.

On June 9, 26 volunteers were recognized for their contributions at a luncheon and awards ceremony at Gillette Stadium. Each Community MVP received grants for their respective nonprofit organizations. Fifteen New England-based organizations were presented with $5,000 grants in honor of their volunteers’ work. Ten others received grants of $10,000 and one grand prize winner was presented $25,000.

“It is truly inspiring to hear the incredible stories of each Myra Kraft Community MVP Award winner,” said Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft. “Every volunteer has such a unique story about how they got involved in their community and it is very touching to learn about their impact. These individuals are making a lasting impact on a daily basis and we are excited to have the opportunity to thank each of them for their commitment. This is truly one of my favorite programs and I know Myra would be proud of the work each of these volunteers are doing.

On hand to congratulate the award winners was Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft, New England Patriots Charitable Foundation President Joshua Kraft, Patriots and Pro Football Hall of Famer and Patriots Executive Director of Community Affairs Andre Tippett, and Patriots players including linebacker Jerod Mayo, tackle Nate Solder and kicker Stephen Gostkowski.

Chaskiesha Figueroa of Lawrence, Mass. was selected as a $10,000 second prize winner.
“We recognize that there are other incredible people, quietly, without fanfare, doing wonderful things for their causes and their communities, but I can assure you that Chaskiesha epitomizes what it means to go ‘above and beyond’ for others,” said Stephanie McArdle, Executive Director at Beyond Soccer Lawrence. “To endure an emotionally turbulent childhood is difficult, but to push on and simultaneously focus her energies on leading others through selfless endeavors is the strongest testament I can make to highlight this exceptionable young woman.”

Figueroa has been involved with Beyond Soccer since 2007 and serves as a role model to children in the Lawrence community. The organization uses soccer to help teach children about teamwork and increase opportunities for Lawrence youth. Figueroa went through the program and received her coaching licenses to help coach the U-12 girls team.

She also joined the Board of Directors as part of their leadership development program and participated in more than 90 soccer travel weekends. Despite a challenging upbringing, Figueroa was a high honor student in high school, recently finished her freshman year at Western New England University and has developed into an incredible mentor to children in Lawrence.

“I am very humbled to be selected as a winner of this amazing award,” said Figueroa. “Being a volunteer is not something I just do; it’s a part of who I am.”

“Thank you to the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation, and the late Myra Kraft, for leading by example and creating a platform for recognizing the life changing volunteerism of everyday people who are the true difference makers in their communities,” McArdle continued. “We are honored to share the incredible work and commitment of this confident young woman, student, daughter, friend, volunteer, coach, and mentor, who has an impact on so many.”

The 2015 MVPs represent all six New England states, a variety of nonprofit organizations and range in age from 17 to 83 years old. The Kraft family and New England Patriots Charitable Foundation received a record number 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 these awards, please visit www.patriots.com/community. Click for Video link of event!