CONCORD, N.H. - s4story -- Every year since 1998, the Kraft family and the New England Patriots have been celebrating those who give their time to help others.

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 traditionally hosts a special ceremony at Gillette Stadium to celebrate the honorees.

On Friday, Oct. 30, the Kraft family and the New England Patriots hosted a virtual ceremony to celebrate 26 volunteers from all across New England. 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.

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 all participated in the virtual ceremony.

"This year has been incredibly challenging for so many families, but it has also been difficult for nonprofits," said Robert Kraft. "They have been called upon to support more families than ever before, but have been unable to host their traditional fundraising events. Volunteers are the lifeblood of these charitable organizations and they have stepped up in a big way during this unprecedented time. We were honored to be able to meet 26 of these local heroes – albeit virtually – and to be able to shine a spotlight on their volunteer efforts."

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Dan Hebert of Hillsboro, N.H. was recognized as a 2020 Myra Kraft Community MVP Award winner. In honor of his dedication to volunteering, the Kraft family and the New England Patriots Foundation will make a $10,000 donation to the New Hampshire Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy.

Dan has spent the past 20 years volunteering for  NH Jump$tart.  As the founder and president of the organization, he leads all of the programming efforts, which provide financial education to people of all ages.

"I am humbled and honored to be selected as one of this year's Myra Kraft Community MVP Award recipients," said Dan. "Recently I was asked when will I retire from this work and my response was, you don't retire from a vocation.  For me, volunteering means the focus has to be on the mission and no task or assignment can ever be beneath me."

The nonprofit offers the "I Can Save" program for second graders, an educational competition for high schoolers and facilitates an educational workshop for local teachers. He is a dedicated, passionate leader, committed to helping others achieve financial success.

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"It's always been about the kids," said Dan. "Financial education has the potential to change lives – especially for children of less advantaged circumstances or whose parents can't, for whatever reason, give them sufficient financial guidance at home.  If we truly desire economic equality for tomorrow's consumers, then financial education must start today—and I'm proud to do my part."

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.