BOSTON—Greater Boston PFLAG announces today that Josh Kraft, Nicholas President and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston (BGCB) and President of the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation, will receive the Cornerstone of Equality Award at Pride & Passion 2017, its signature annual benefit and auction. The event will take place on April 27 from 6-9 p.m. at the Boston Marriott Copley Place.
Kraft is being honored for his long-time commitment to social justice, including his commitment to fostering acceptance and respect for LGBTQ youth.
Prior to accepting his current role as Nicholas President and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs in 2008, he was the Founding Executive Director of BGCB’s Gerald and Darlene Jordan Club in Chelsea where, for 15 years, Kraft led the after-school program from the basement of a public housing development, until the current state-of-the-art building could be built. A fierce advocate for inclusivity and teaching respect for all in his mentoring of youth, Kraft constantly strives to ensure the safety and acceptance of LGBTQ youth among staff and membership of BGCB.
As a result of his compassionate leadership, GBPFLAG has forged a strong relationship with Kraft based on a common commitment to joint programming that provides support and promotes a welcoming environment for all, especially for at-risk youth, so that they can achieve their fullest potential.
“As a nonprofit leader, Josh Kraft has shown an unwavering commitment to diversity. In particularly, his work creating a community at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston in which all young people, including LGBTQ youth, are welcome,” said Val Frias, Greater Boston PFLAG’s Executive Director. “We’re grateful for this leadership and thrilled to honor him with this year’s Cornerstone of Equality Award.”
“It’s wonderful to be recognized with this award from Greater Boston PFLAG, an organization that does critical work on behalf of young people and families,” said Kraft. “Through my work with the Boys and Girls Club, I share their vision of a world in which all people—including LGBTQ kids—have the support and acceptance of their families and their communities. The philanthropic giving of the New England Patriots Foundation and the entire Kraft family share the goal of supporting young people so they can live lives of dignity and reach their full potential as individuals and members of society. I look forward to continued collaboration among all of us to make Greater Boston PFLAG’s vision a permanent reality.”
Greater Boston PFLAG will also honor four high school students with the Elsie Frank Scholarship at Pride & Passion 2017. Named in honor of the late mother of Massachusetts Congressman Barney Frank, a member of Greater Boston PFLAG’s Honorary Board, the scholarships recognize high school seniors who have demonstrated leadership in improving their school’s climate for LGBTQ youth. This year’s scholarship recipients are: Jo Guiterrez-Barnes of Northampton; Abigail McCarthy of Wayland; Raeonah Miles-Willis of Charlestown; and Rory Smith of Halifax.
In addition to the awards ceremony, a cocktail reception and dinner, Pride & Passion will also feature a fun-filled live auction.
About Greater Boston PFLAG
Greater Boston PFLAG is dedicated to fostering LGBTQ-inclusive families, schools and communities through support, education and advocacy. Since 1978, Greater Boston PFLAG has provided award-winning, highly effective bullying and violence prevention services. Each year, Greater Boston PFLAG delivers over 200 educational programs statewide, reaching over 18,000 people in middle and high schools, religious organizations, colleges, corporations, and at conferences for healthcare, counseling, and prevention specialists. Greater Boston PFLAG helps change attitudes and creates an environment of understanding so that LGBTQ family members and friends can live in a world that is safe and inclusive.
[From a News Release]
