Each year, the Myra Kraft Community MVP Awards recognize volunteers across New England who go above and beyond to serve their communities. Out of nearly 300 nominations, 26 individuals were selected this year, including longtime MARE volunteer and community member, Richard Benoit, whose work with MARE has helped transform the lives of countless youth and families connected to adoption from foster care.
Richard was honored as a 2025 Myra Kraft Community MVP by the Kraft Family and the New England Patriots Foundation. In recognition of his decade of dedicated service supporting adoptive families, MARE received a $10,000 donation in his name.
For more than ten years, Richard has been a steady and compassionate presence in our community. He has mentored families new to adoption, provided one-on-one support to those navigating challenges, and helped design trauma-informed parent training that continues to guide families as they open their hearts and homes. His leadership and lived experience have become vital pillars of MARE’s support programs.
“I love being part of MARE’s mentor program and supporting other adoptive families, because people need to know they are not alone in this journey,” Richard shared at the awards ceremony, held June 3 at Gillette Stadium, “I feel so rewarded when I volunteer with MARE to support families and youth in foster care. It’s an amazing program that more people should do. I am privileged to be a part of it."
Richard’s recognition is part of a powerful legacy. The Myra Kraft Community MVP Awards, named in honor of the late Myra Kraft, have uplifted more than 525 volunteers and donated over $4 million to nonprofit organizations since the program’s founding.
Richard's compassion and unwavering commitment have helped countless families feel supported and seen, and we are proud and grateful to see his remarkable contributions recognized through this prestigious award. Many thanks to the Kraft Family, the New England Patriots Foundation, and Gillette for shining a light on the transformative power of volunteerism.
If you're inspired by Richard's story, consider joining The Neighborhood, MARE’s community of volunteers working together to make a difference in the lives of youth in foster care.
