FOXBOROUGH, MA - Bank of America, the Official Bank of the New England Patriots, today announced the 2011 New England Patriots Fan of the Year during an on-field ceremony prior to the team's final regular season home game against the Buffalo Bills. This year's honoree, David Kim of Boston, was presented with the Joseph R. Mastrangelo Memorial Trophy, established by the Mastrangelo family in honor of their father, a devoted Patriots fan.
"It is truly an honor to receive an award that represents the spirit of the New England Patriots and the philanthropic endeavors of the Kraft family, especially Mrs. Kraft whose legacy will inspire future generations," said Kim.
The Fan of the Year award recognizes an individual who demonstrates the highest level of passion and loyalty to the Patriots as exemplified by the late Mastrangelo, one of the team's original season ticket holders. Bank of America, which will present Kim with 2012 season tickets, has sponsored the award for the past 18 years.
Chosen from nearly 200 nominees, Kim, 48, spent 13 years driving to as many Patriots home games as possible while living in Philadelphia. It came as no surprise to friends and family when three years ago Kim, his wife Eileen and son Alex made the move to Massachusetts. Incidentally, Alex was born during a Monday night showdown between the Patriots and Bills, marking his destiny as a lifelong Patriots fan.
During the offseason, Kim, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon at Saint Vincent Hospital in Worcester, travels to third world countries to operate on children born with deformities. As his wife stated during the nomination process, which factors in community service, "my husband embodies the Patriots philosophy of doing and being your best."
"We're honored to have so many loyal and passionate Patriots fans who are also devoted to working in their communities," said Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft. "We're focusing on this important commitment through our Celebrate Volunteerism campaign this year, and David Kim is a shining example of a fan who is dedicated to both his team and his community. I'm happy to present him with this year's New England Patriots Fan of the Year award."
"Our longtime partnership with the Patriots runs deep, and the Patriots Fan of the Year award is one of many ways we engage the team's loyal fan base," said Bob Gallery, Bank of America Massachusetts president. "While it becomes harder to select a winner with every passing year, David's commitment to both the team and those less fortunate made him stand out among other impressive nominees."
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