Dover Resident Kay Bernon Named New England Patriots Community MVP Runner Up

While their behind-the-scenes efforts often go unnoticed, the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation’s Community MVP Awards place a spotlight on those who give their time to help others.

Sixteen honorees were recognized for their contributions in a ceremony at Gillette Stadium on June 9 and received grants for their respective nonprofit organizations. Ten New England organizations were presented with $2,500 in honor of their volunteers’ work with five more receiving grants of $10,000.

“Of everything my parents are involved with, this program is one of the most special and important to them. Having the opportunity to recognize these compassionate and selfless volunteers is a true honor,” said New England Patriots Charitable Foundation President Josh Kraft. “In this economic climate, we recognize the strain on nonprofits and were proud to increase this year’s grants to a total of $100,000. We thank them for their volunteerism and willingness to make our communities a better place.”

Also on hand to congratulate the award winners was Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft, Pro Football and Patriots Hall of Famer and Patriots Executive Director or Community Affairs Andre Tippett, Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski and Patriots defensive lineman Ron Brace.

Kay Bernon of Dover, Mass was the one of five Runners-Up winners. Kay is the co-founder and board chairperson at the Berkshire Hills Music Academy where she has created a unique residential school where young adults with special intellectual needs can develop their musical abilities and demonstrate their talent leading to achievement gains and other life skills.

Kay who secured a 40-acre site, is a jack-of-all-trades and assumes any work that needs to be done including administering the school, managing operations, recruiting faculty, students and more. She helps run the two-year post-secondary certificate program, the Extended Learning vocational program and now a summer program. Kay’s vision has always been to enhance the quality of life of the community by encouraging an appreciation of all that young adults with special needs have to offer.