WORCESTER, MA – May 8, 2025 – Quinsigamond Community College announced Matt Vaccaro, president of the Worcester Bravehearts baseball team, as the latest recipient of its Community Impact Award. Vaccaro received the award on behalf of the Bravehearts for their community initiatives, such as the Ticket to Read program, which was created with the Worcester Railers and gives prizes to children after they read 10 books, and their support of the Little League teams throughout Worcester.
Vaccaro, who is also president of Masis Staffing Solutions, became president of the Bravehearts in February of 2024.
“I’ve always been passionate about baseball, but also about my community. When we can combine both, it’s a win-win. We want to give back as much as we can,” said Vaccaro, who credited a strong team of Bravehearts employees with making their initiatives successful.
Vaccaro said he views the Bravehearts players as role models for the youth who attend games and events.
“These collegiate players were kids not too long ago. Now they are striving to make it in baseball and in their lives,” Vaccaro said.
The Bravehearts also host educational game nights and during their last season, donated post-game concessions to Woo Fridge and local food pantries. Additionally, they will be hosting a fundraising walk on June 7, along with the American Heart Association, to raise awareness of heart disease and stroke.
The Community Impact Award is a project that was developed by QCC Director of Community Engagement Sean Harris in 2023. An award is given out during each athletic season to highlight individuals and/or organizations in Central Massachusetts who do impactful work with youth.
“Several people from different groups in the city suggested Matt and the Bravehearts for our Community Impact Award, and that’s exactly what we look for - organizations whose work helps everyone in our community,” Harris said.
The award was given to Vaccaro during QCC’s last baseball game of the regular season. During the game, the QCC Foundation was also recognized for its assistance in funding a new scoreboard and Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early, Jr. was acknowledged for contributing $10,000 earlier this year for improvements to the baseball field.