Brady and Gronk Surprise Myra Kraft Recipients

Foxboro — The Patriots don't play a meaningful football game for more than three months, but that doesn't mean Gillette Stadium isn't buzzing right now and it was on Thursday June 2.

On this day, crews were working feverishly to prepare the field and stadium for Beyonce's concert on Friday night. On the back fields, Patriots players were participating in an organized team activity.

Meanwhile, inside at the Putnam Club Northeast lounge 26 volunteers were being recognized and honored at the 2016 Myra Kraft Community MVP Awards ceremony.  And after they received their awards they were treated by a surprise appearance and meet and greet with Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski.

" I did get to meet Tom Brady and Gronk today.  I look like the coolest mom" said recipient Cara Belvin from Scituate who took her 8 year old son out of school to be here today.

Recipient Stephanie Frazier-Grimm from Middeltown, Rhode Island was thrilled to meet the two Patriots stars.  "They are just as big as you see on TV! And they are so supportive of us and all that we are doing"

The 26 recipients here Thursday came from all over New England.  From as far as Ellsworth, Maine all the way down to Trumbull Connecticut.  These recipients received grants totaling $200,000.

"Since 1998 we've been doing this event and we continue to make a difference in so many communities.  This was such an important event for our Mom.  She loved this day and these recipients deserve all the recognition they can get". Said Josh Kraft New England Patriots Charitable Foundation President.

The Myra Kraft Community MVP Awards take place as part of the Patriots ongoing Celebrate Volunteerism initiative, which honors Myra Kraft’s lifetime commitment to volunteerism.

The winners were recognized for their efforts with the announcement of one grand prize winner of $25,000, 10 second prize winners of $10,000 each and 15 third prize winners of $5,000 each. The money will be awarded to the non-profit organization for which each honoree volunteers.

"This event helps give all these groups some much needed recognition and support. Today in America we have so many challenges and letting people know about them is very important" said Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft.

Barry Clayman who volunteers at the Yarmouth Food Pantry was this year's Grand Prize winner.  The Yarmouth Food Pantry received a check for $25,000.

"We have serious situations all over with children and schools and not having the proper breakfast and lunch.  They need our support.  This money will help do a lot of good". Said Clayman

This year’s award winners range in age from 17 to 97, represent all six New England states and have dedicated their time to support a wide variety of causes, including education, healthcare, homelessness, military, violence prevention, youth sports and more.

And the happiest recipient of all at this event had to be 97 yr old Ida May Molitor of E. Falmouth, MA.  She was not only a recipient for her continuing contributions to the Norton, MA Community Theatre.  She also had a one on one conversation with Tom Brady as Brady sought her out after a group photo.

"He's a wonderful man.  Not only for what he does for the team but for what he does for people.  You know he's very nice with kids and I'm just a big kid!" Said a beaming Molitor.  "Keep up the good work I told him"

Cox Media Group