Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft and Patriots and Pro Football Hall of Famer Andre Tippett congratulate Louise and Dave Hackett from Merrimack, N.H. for being selected as 2021 Myra Kraft Community MVP Award winners. During the August 11 luncheon, the Kraft family and the New England Patriots Foundation awarded $275,000 in grants to 26 New England nonprofits. Gateways Community Services in Nashua, N.H. received a $10,000 grant in honor of their volunteer efforts. (photo courtesy of Eric J. Adler/New England Patriots)

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.

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.”

Louise and Dave Hackett of Merrimack, N.H. were recognized for their volunteer efforts and a $10,000 donation was presented to Gateways Community Services in Nashua, N.H.

Back in 1967, Louise and Dave Hackett had a son, Tim, who was born with autism. At the time, there were no special education programs and doctors knew very little about autism spectrum disorder.

Determined to create change, in the early 1970s, Louise and Dave founded the New Hampshire Society for Children and Adults with Autism. Together they helped to shape one of the first individualized education plans in the public school system.

“We are proud to have been selected for the 2021 Myra Kraft Community MVP Award,” said Louise and Dave. “In receiving this award, we represent so many other parents who have also volunteered to make life better for people who have disabilities and their families. We appreciate this recognition more than you can imagine.”

They also served on the board of directors of Gateways when it first formed in 1981. They continue to be active volunteers, helping to run their parent-to-parent program and offering guidance to other families.

“We are thrilled that Louise and Dave have been recognized with the Myra Kraft Community MVP Award from the Patriots Foundation,” said the nonprofit in a statement prior to the event. “Their impact on the field of Autism Spectrum Disorder in New Hampshire and especially in our Greater Nashua community has been exemplary. Louise and Dave paved the way for individuals with disabilities to live inclusive, meaningful lives in our communities. Their legacy is their tireless advocacy for not only for their son, but for countless individuals and families in New Hampshire.”

“Volunteering with Gateways has been extremely rewarding,” said Louise and Dave. “We have met so many wonderful families who continue to be part of our lives. By volunteering, our lives are enriched and our perspectives are broadened.”

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.