Natick resident Harry Nesbitt has been named a 2026 Myra Kraft Community MVP award winner.

He was presented with a $10,000 donation for Path for Adaptive Opportunities.

During the Sept. 15 luncheon, the Kraft family, the Patriots Foundation and Gillette awarded $275,000 in grants to 26 New England nonprofits. “I’m honored and thrilled to be selected for this award,’’ Nesbitt said. “I get more out of volunteering and seeing the athletes and individuals improve at every session. Their smiles of happiness and laughter are addictive.”

Nesbitt has been a dedicated volunteer, advocate, and leader for individuals with disabilities in the Natick community for more than two decades.

He supports people with disabilities in multiple capacities, including serving as a Special Olympics softball and basketball coach, where he worked directly with athletes to build skills, confidence, teamwork, and joy through sports.

In that role, Nesbitt interacted closely with athletes, families, fellow coaches, and volunteers, creating an encouraging environment where every participant felt valued and supported.

For the past five years, Nesbitt has served as both President and Treasurer of Path for Adaptive Opportunities, the nonprofit organization that raises funds to support Camp Arrowhead, Skyline, and related adaptive recreation programs.

In these roles, Nesbitt has taken on enormous responsibility, helping guide the organization’s mission, manages financial oversight, working with board members and community partners, supports fundraising events, communicating with donors, and ensuring that money raised is directed toward the programs and families who need it most.

Under Nesbitt’s leadership, PATH has dramatically increased its fundraising impact, tripling donations to the organization. That growth has allowed PATH to increase support across all programs, especially Camp Arrowhead.

Because of Nesbitt’s volunteer leadership, PATH has been able to provide larger program offsets to the Town of Natick, helping keep participation costs lower for campers and families.

PATH has also increased financial aid for all who apply, expanded funding for specialty equipment, supported program activities, helped pay for special events and guest experiences, and funded countless other needs that improve the quality, accessibility, and safety of the programs.

Since 1998, the Kraft family and the New England Patriots Foundation have been recognizing volunteers for going above and beyond to give back to their communities through the Myra Kraft Community MVP Awards program.

“Throughout New England, extraordinary individuals are strengthening their communities through selfless acts of service,” said Robert Kraft, Chairman and CEO of the Patriots. “My late wife, Myra, of blessed memory, believed that each of us has a responsibility to help others and leave our communities better than we found them. This year’s honorees embody that spirit through their compassion, generosity and unwavering commitment to those they serve. We are proud to recognize them with the Myra Kraft Community MVP Awards and celebrate the meaningful difference they make every day.”

Gillette, a longtime supporter of the New England Patriots and a cornerstone partner of the Patriots Foundation, served as the presenting sponsor for this year’s program.

On hand to congratulate the award winners were Patriots, College and Pro Football Hall of Famer Andre Tippett and Gillette’s VP of Communications & Community Affairs, Global Grooming, Kara Buckley.

 “We are honored to recognize this year’s Myra Kraft Community MVPs, whose generosity, dedication, and leadership help create stronger, more connected communities,” said Kara Buckley, Vice President of Community Affairs at P&G Gillette. 

“Each honoree reflects the spirit of service that Myra Kraft championed and demonstrates how one person’s actions can positively impact countless others. At Gillette, we are proud to support and celebrate those who bring out the best in people, and we thank the Kraft family and the New England Patriots Foundation for continuing this meaningful tradition.”