The Burton Family, founders of the Ron Burton Training Village for youth at risk, will be awarded the Jack & Marci Williams Humanitarian of the Year Award during the 6th Annual BAMSI "Magic of Home Gala," which will be held Friday, May 3, 2019, 6:30 p.m., at the Ballroom at Granite Links Golf Club, Quincy.

The late Ron Burton Sr., a number one NFL draft choice and the first ever draft pick of the New England Patriots, founded The Ron Burton Training Village (RBTV) in Hubbardston, MA, in 1986, where kids come to train and attain personal growth. Operated today by Ron’s Sr.’s family, RBTV is a year-round training program designed to develop and strengthen youth at risk, spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically, so they are fully equipped to overcome challenges and excel in life. Past BAMSI Humanitarian Award honorees have included Reverend Liz Walker, formerly of WBZ TV, Don Rodman of Rodman Ride for Kids; Eliot Tatelman of Jordan's Furniture, and Steve Green from W.B. Mason, all recognized for their charitable and philanthropic work.

“The mission of the Ron Burton Training Village is aligned with our mission in that we aim to help people by believing in them and offering them the support they need to realize their full potential, no matter the obstacles they face,” said Tony Simonelli, President and CEO of Brockton Area Multi-Services, Inc. “We are in awe of what the Burton Family has done for youth at risk and they deserve every recognition possible for this important work.” 

Thanks to generous corporate partners, Apothecare; Global Property Services and Commercial Investments; Capital Lease Group and Jordan’s Furniture, proceeds from this annual event benefit the people served by BAMSI, a statewide, non-profit agency caring for 30,000 disabled and other fragile individuals in 140 residential and day programs across the Commonwealth.  

Master of Ceremonies, Joyce Kulhawik, best known as the Emmy award-winning Arts and Entertainment Critic for CBS-Boston (WBZ-TV) is currently President of the Boston Theatre Critics Association, and a member of the Boston Society of Film Critics. She is also a three-time cancer survivor/crusader. Joyce has covered local and national events from Boston and Broadway to Hollywood. She has also co-hosted nationally syndicated movie-review shows with Roger Ebert and Leonard Maltin. Her reviews are available at JoycesChoices.com. 

‘Leave home, experience the world, and feel the magic,’ with our exciting international travel theme! Experience food and atmosphere from around the globe (authentic dress encouraged); an exclusive trip raffle with only 200 tickets sold and a chance to win a $5,000 gift certificate to anywhere in the world AAA travels; a ‘wine pull contest’ where guests can take a chance on a selection of fine wines and other great raffle prizes! Enjoy dancing to the music of "The Broadway Project," with Broadway performers and musicians performing all genres. Tickets are $150 per person (early bird discounts apply until April 10), and are available on-line at www.bamsi.org, or for more information, please contact Leigh Lopes at (508) 484-7195, or at www.bamsi.org.