FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - Patriots All-Pro linebacker and defensive captain Jerod Mayo was recognized as the 2011 New England Patriots Ron Burton Community Service Award winner at the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation's Annual Kickoff Gala on Tuesday evening in the Putnam Club at Gillette Stadium.
Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft presented Mayo with the award, which is named in honor of the late Ron Burton, the first player drafted by the team who, through his widespread charitable work, was a model for how a Patriots player can make an impact in the community.
"In his three short years in New England, Jerod has made large contributions both on and off the field," said Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft. "Both in uniform and and as an active volunteer in the community, he has done everything asked of him and more. He continually makes us proud to have drafted him in 2008. He is a most deserving recipient of the Ron Burton Award."
Mayo is one of the most consistent participants in Patriots Charitable Foundation activities, particularly those that benefit children.
"If it helps kids, he's there," said Patriots Executive Director of Community Affairs Andre Tippett of Mayo. "We know him to always roll up his sleeves while getting involved in creative ways, including leading art projects, serving children dinner and playing interactive games. It is clear that he wants to use his experience as a father to make a difference in the lives of each child he meets."
In 2010, Mayo launched The Mayo Bowl, an annual celebrity bowling event to raise funds for Pitching in for Kids, a charity that provides earmarked grants to improve the lives of children in New England. He has also been actively involved in Patriots Kids Cafes, which provide hot meals for youth who may not receive them at home, and has participated in the Patriots annual Children's Holiday Party. Last season, Mayo made several visits to local hospitals as part of the Patriots' "Kick Cancer" initiative.
