FROM LEFT: Robert Kraft; Kevin Faulk, Darius Barnes and Matt Light
ROBERT KRAFT
OWNER, NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS AND NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION
CAUSES: New England Patriots Charitable Foundation; Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s Kraft Family Blood Donor Center
We started the Foundation when we bought the team in 1994. We’ve built relationships with thousands of nonprofits in New England, and the players are intimately involved. This year we’re focusing on cancer awareness and early detection, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston. We’re so proud that our players recognize the importance of getting out into the community and see the impact they can make simply by donating their time. We knew we had an incredible opportunity to make a difference in the community since sports teams are already such a part of the fabric of New England. The New England Patriots Charitable Foundation has given us a wonderful platform to work with a wide variety of charities focusing on family, health and education.
ANNUAL EVENT: Kickoff Gala at Gillette Stadium, August 2011
KEVIN FAULK
RUNNING BACK, NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
CAUSE: United Way
I always wanted to be someone who helps out other people—it’s the right thing to do. When I was young I’d see the United Way and the NFL partnering up, so that was the first place I turned. The Celebrity Softball Game was something a friend and I thought about. It supports two charities—United Way of Massachusetts Bay as well as the United Way of Acadiana in Louisiana, where I am from—and I was also the spokesman for a year along with Jake Delhomme. Now every year, I bus a group of kids from a Boys & Girls Club of Worcester to Brockton for the softball game.
ANNUAL EVENT: Celebrity Softball Game, May 2011
DARRIUS BARNES
DEFENDER, NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION
CAUSE: Big Brothers Big Sisters
Growing up I always had a great family, and I know that not every kid has that advantage. I want to be there for those kids who need a role model and let them know there are good people in the world. I plan to take my new little brother to games, show him the stadium and teach him soccer if he takes an interest. I want to do cultural things like going to museums and movies. I have an older brother I’ve been close to my whole life. He and my dad were great role models for me growing up, and they helped me become who I am today. Good role models are crucial.
