Michael Downing of Brockton, Mass. was selected as this year's $25,000 grand prize winner for his volunteer efforts at The BASE.
"Being selected for the Myra Kraft Community Service Award is a tremendous honor," **said Michael.** "Mrs. Kraft was a beacon of hope and philanthropy in underserved communities across Massachusetts. To be recognized for my 30 years of service to my community, through an award named after such an inspiring and generous individual, is truly humbling."
Michael has served as a volunteer basketball coach for six years and works with players on strength and conditioning, skill development, team skills, and more. More importantly, Michael is looked up to as a father figure for his high school athletes and creates a family-like environment where students can learn skills beyond basketball such as leadership and confidence.
Michael's work goes above and beyond his coaching style, as he checks the grades of players and requires his players to volunteer. He picks up and drops off his students from practices and games, and hosts dinners at his own expense for players and their families. Michael has created relationships with local private high schools to help students get into the schools with financial aid packages and builds in college tours for the players when the team is traveling for games.
Over the past three decades, I have dedicated my life to mentoring young student-athletes, helping them grow not only as basketball players but as responsible, impactful young men. I use the game of basketball as a vehicle to reach and inspire youth to become more than just athletes. Through study halls, community service projects, and daily mentorship, I work to mold these young men into positive role models for their communities," **said Michael.** "My driving force has never been about wins or championships, it has always been about teaching life lessons and hoping that the young people I serve will one day reach back to help someone else."
The 2025 Myra Kraft Community MVP winners range from 21 to 94 years old and represent all six New England states. The selected nonprofits provide support for many causes, including education, animals, sports, food insecurity, grief support, healthcare, military, homelessness, mental health and more.
Since its inception, the Myra Kraft Community MVP Awards program has recognized more than 525 volunteers and donated more than $4 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](http://www.patriots.com/community).