More than 200 people attended the 6th annual Heart of Buckner Amarillo fundraiser at the Amarillo Botanical Gardens to hear a moderated conversation between San Francisco 49ers center Weston Richburg and former Amarillo Globe-News sports editor and columnist Jon Mark Beilue.

Weston, who spent last Sunday in Miami with his team for the Superbowl, said he was glad to return to his hometown of Amarillo to attend the event for such a great organization.

“I like to be a good influence on people especially young people,” Weston said when asked about his time with the 49ers. “I think it is really important to remember that everyone is watching, some young person is watching. I think back to when I was young and looked up to college and professional athletes. Now I am in the other seat, and I get to have an impact on somebody. I think that’s really special, and it’s something that is very important to me.”

The evening also featured a testimony given by Amber Flores, who is close to graduating from the Buckner Family Pathways program. Amber shared how the Buckner program for single parents helped her turn her life around through education and faith in order to create a brighter future for her family. 

All proceeds from the event will stay in the Amarillo community to benefit the children and families served in the Panhandle by Buckner since 1985. Buckner Amarillo’s programs include Buckner Family Pathways, Buckner Foster Care and Adoption and the FYi Center.

In 2019, Buckner Amarillo helped 72 children find healing in a loving foster home, 18 families break the cycle of poverty and receive and education, nine children placed in a forever home through adoption, 48 teens in foster care graduate high school, four single mothers graduate from college and learn self-sufficiency, and 106 teens unlock doors to a successful future through education. 

“I thank God for all of you, that your work of faith, your labor of love, and your inspiring hope are changing the course of life for these children and moms,” said Buckner President and CEO Albert Reyes.