FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - On Thursday, January 16, the New England Patriots will add 13 "quarterbacks" to their "team" when they host this year's "Community Quarterback Awards" luncheon at Gillette Stadium. The Community Quarterbacks program recognizes leaders in our community who have dedicated their lives to improving the lives of others. This year, the Patriots Charitable Foundation and NFL Charities have teamed up to award $25,000 to local non-profit charities in the names of some of the region's most dedicated and deserving volunteers.
"There are so many people who do so many great things for others in our community and never receive recognition for their efforts," said Patriots owner Robert Kraft. "The Community Quarterback program gives us an opportunity to honor some of New England's unsung heroes for all they do to improve the lives of others in their communities. The nominations we received from the many non-profit organizations were wonderful tributes to the many volunteers in this region."
During the 2002 football season, non-profit organizations nominated volunteers who were most deserving of the honor to be recognized as one of the 2002 Community Quarterbacks. This year's winner is David Hanwell of Rehoboth, Mass., who was nominated by the Horace Mann Educational Association (HMEA), based in Franklin, Mass. For winning first-place among the Community Quarterbacks, a donation in the amount of $10,000 will be made to HMEA in Hanwell's name.
Hanwell, 60, has volunteered for disabled adults for the past 18 years. The professional facilities manager and engineer is credited with coordinating a group of laymen, affectionately known as the "Cosmic Cavemen," who volunteer their time and skills on nights and weekends to build, renovate and/or paint group homes to create better living conditions for disabled adults in our community. Hanwell retired from his professional position last year and has since devoted even more time to support HMEA.
The charities for the two runners up will each receive a $2,500 donation; while the 10 other finalists will be awarded $1,000 donations to their non-profit organizations. The names of the Community Quarterback Award recipients, their hometowns and their charities are listed below.
First Place Award: $10,000 Donation
David Hanwell of Rehoboth, Mass. (Age 60)
Horace Mann Education Association (HEMA) is a human services agaency serving over 1,000 adults and children with developmental disabilities, such as mental retardation.
Second Place Awards: $2,500 Donation
Patrick Richards of Fall River, Mass. (Age 60)
Mass. Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, which helps to provide support and education to grandparents who raise their grandchildren.
William Orme-Johnson of Cambridge, Mass. (Age 64)
Massachusetts Alzheimer's Association
Other Finalists: $1,000 Donation
Dr. Maurice "Ed" Keenan of West Newton
Bridge Over Troubled Waters in Boston, providing medical and social services for homeless and teen runaways.
Karin Karol of Wayland
The Horizon's Initiative in Dorchester
Elizabeth Kirsten of Brookline
Massachusetts Alzheimer's Association
Patricia Ho of Beverly
Asian Task Force on Domestic Violence
Kern Grimes of Roxbury
Dimock Community Health Center
Gisele Rizzo of Dedham
Italian Home For Children in Jamaica Plain
Cathy and John Bentwood of Plymouth, NH
Pemi-Bridge House in Plymouth, NH
Anna Vogler (Vermont native) now resides in Weaverville, NC
Arts for Life
Johnett West-Netter of Mattapan
Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD)
Patricia Muse of Boston
North End Music and Performing Arts Center in Boston
