PATRIOTS FOUNDATION DONATING $10,000 TO AMY’S ANGELS
FOXBOROUGH, Mass.– The Celebrate Volunteerism initiative aims to share examples of dedicated volunteers, build awareness of the need for volunteering, identify and educate others about volunteer opportunities and inspire New Englanders to follow the Kraft family’s example of becoming lifelong volunteers.
Though the spirit of volunteerism is felt throughout New England year-round, the Kraft family, the New England Patriots Foundation and cornerstone partner Gillette celebrated the season long initiative in a special pregame ceremony during the Patriots regular season finale versus the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, Jan. 4 at Gillette Stadium.
Throughout the season, the foundation presented a weekly “Patriots Difference Maker of the Week” award, which aims to recognize deserving volunteers who go above and beyond to help build stronger New England communities. Chairman and CEO of the Kraft Group and the New England Patriots Robert Kraft was on the field prior to the game to congratulate all of this year’s winners.
“We are proud to honor volunteers across New England whose service reflects the values that strengthen our region,” said Robert Kraft, Chairman and CEO of the New England Patriots. “Their dedication supports our communities and upholds the principles that have long defined New England. The individuals we recognize today show how acts of service and kindness can spark meaningful change and encourage others to get involved.”
At Sunday’s game, the Kraft family announced that each of the Patriots Difference Makers would be receiving a $10,000 grant to support the nonprofit organizations for which they volunteer. They also presented a $25,000 grant to Community Nurse, Inc. on behalf of the 2025 Patriots Difference Maker of the Year, Madeline Cooke.
Bob Fiondella from Farmington, Conn. was selected as a 2025 Patriots Difference Maker of the Week for his commitment to Amy’s Angels. As part of this recognition, the Kraft family, the New England Patriots Foundation and Gillette will be making a $10,000 donation to support the nonprofit.
Bob Fiondella is the Chairman and Founder of the Amy’s Angels Organization, a grassroots organization that provides short and long-term assistance to individuals and their families dealing with the debilitating effects of serious illness or injury. Amy’s Angels was established in 2014, in loving memory of Amy Fiondella Bachman, a single mother who lost her battle to breast cancer before her son, Ethan, reached the age of six. Due to her illness, she was unable to work and was on disability. Amy died in December 2013; Amy’s Angels was created to help people like Amy, struggling with the debilitating effects of serious illness or injury.
Bob is a true humanitarian, who has worked tirelessly with great spirit to help improve the lives of others and reduce suffering. He wanted patients to focus on their recovery, rather than worry about their financial burdens. He wanted Amy’s Angels Organization to assist people so that they could focus on their healing, support their families, meet the costs of their medical obligations and return to a normal, productive, healthy life. Bob knew that there were many more people like Amy who needed help while battling the devastating effects of serious illness or injury.
“Being recognized as a Patriots Difference Maker is both humbling and deeply meaningful. At Amy’s Angels, we don’t do this work for recognition, we do it because families need us when their world has been turned upside down,” said Bob. “Still, this honor shines a light on the incredible resilience of the families we serve and the importance of community coming together. As a Patriots season ticket holder for 31 years, this recognition feels especially personal and inspiring. It affirms that compassion, kindness, and teamwork can truly change lives. I am grateful to the Kraft Family, the New England Patriots Foundation, and Gillette for celebrating this mission, and I share this honor with every volunteer, donor, and supporter who makes our work possible.”
Bob is a kind, selfless, caring, giving, thoughtful, generous human being; his outstanding qualities made it easy for people to work with him while helping others.
The 2025 Patriots Difference Makers of the Week range in age from 22 to 76 and support communities across New England. Charitable causes include disability support, healthcare, homelessness, youth mentoring and more. These volunteers have collectively dedicated more than 122 years to giving back to their communities.
“We are honored to partner with the Kraft family and the New England Patriots Foundation to celebrate this year’s exceptional Patriots Difference Makers,” said Kara Buckley, Vice President of Communications and Community Affairs at P&G Gillette. “For over a century, Gillette has been part of the New England community and focused on bringing out the best in others. These remarkable volunteers embody that same commitment – representing the best of the best in community service. Their selflessness, dedication, and compassion have changed countless lives for the better and they inspire us all to create a brighter future.”
For more information about the Celebrate Volunteerism initiative and the 2025 Patriots Difference Makers of the Week, visit https://patriots.com/community/pdm.
Bob Fiondella, from Farmington, Conn. was selected as a 2025 Patriots Difference Maker of the Week for his commitment to Amy’s Angels. As part of this recognition, the Kraft family, the New England Patriots Foundation and Gillette will be making a $10,000 donation to support the nonprofit.
Photo
Chairman and CEO of the Kraft Group and the New England Patriots Robert Kraft takes a group photo with the 2025 Patriots Difference Makers of the Week. (Photo courtesy of David Silverman/New England Patriots).
