Buzzards Bay’s Alisha Neal of ‘Angel Babies’ Was Honored With Myra Kraft Community MVP Award

I'm a firm believer of "good things come to those who do good" and on June 6th, a local woman from Buzzards Bay received some pretty great news.

The annual Myra Kraft Community MVP ceremony took place on Thursday, June 6th, at Gillette Stadium, hosted by Josh Kraft. The New England Patriots Foundation and Gillette honored this year's Myra Kraft Community MVP award winners for their exceptional volunteerism and dedication. The ceremony celebrated 26 community leaders, each receiving a special biography highlighting their volunteer work and achievements.

Among the honorees was Alisha Neal, one of the five founders recognized for her contributions. Neal received the Myra Kraft Community MVP Award for her longstanding work as the founder of Angel Babies, a non-profit organization that hosts memorial events, donates burial gowns, and supports families during their darkest days of grief. She established the foundation after the passing of her daughter, Hunter Grace, and continues to honor her memory while supporting other families who have suffered the loss of a child.

Angel Babies is dedicated to providing support, compassion, and love to grieving families. Neal has built a nurturing and empathetic community with the help of over 100 volunteers. The foundation's impact has been profound, and Neal reflected on the significance of the recognition she received.

"I'm so thankful that this is the path I get to follow every day. I wouldn't want life any other way. I love what I’m able to do. It was incredible to see them recognize all of us and thank us for what we do. That was such a surreal moment, for someone like Robert Kraft to take the time and stay the entire time we were there. He said it’s his favorite thing to do each year," said Neal.

Robert Kraft continues to honor his wife Myra Kraft's memory, as giving back was a top priority for Myra throughout her life.

“Every year, nonprofit organizations across New England put forth candidates that demonstrate what volunteerism and giving back truly is and who represent the very best of our community,” said Robert Kraft, Chairman and CEO of the Patriots. “My late wife Myra, of blessed memory, was passionate about giving back and making a difference in people’s lives. I am proud to see her legacy of volunteerism upheld through these awards, celebrating those who selflessly serve their communities as true Community MVPs.”

Alisha shared her heartfelt gratitude on Facebook, describing how profound the moment was in her journey with the Angel Babies Foundation:

"So not often am I lost for words but I am today! Today I received the Myra Kraft Community MVP Award! I am utterly blown away and taking it all in! Thank you to the Kraft family, New England Patriots Foundation, and Gillette Stadium for this incredible honor! Thank you Matt Neal, Mikki Setaro, Randall, and Mike Randall for believing in me and helping me reach the stars! Volunteers don't get paid, not because they're worthless, but because they're priceless."

The ceremony at Gillette Stadium left a lasting impact on Neal, reinforcing the importance of her work and the difference Angel Babies continues to make in the lives of grieving families. Neal also received $10,000 to help her non-profit grow and continue to help those in need.