Bonnie Brae, a nonprofit which has been supporting efforts to help youth for more than a century in its residential treatment centers and special education schools, will honor State Sen. Minority Leader Anthony Bucco at its 39th Annual Tartan Ball fundraiser, March 8 in Randolph.
Bucco will be presented The Red Bandanna Award in recognition of his advocacy for youth mental health.
“Bonnie Brae is truly an exceptional organization that goes above and beyond to ensure young New Jerseyans become the best version of themselves and it has been my honor to support their mission of helping troubled youth from crisis to success,” Bucco said. “Here’s to the continued small victories, every day.”
Bonnie Brae is a residential school and therapeutic community for New Jersey youth in crisis, ages 12-21. The organization currently serve up to 114 boys at a time, most of which are its main campus situated on 100 acres in Liberty Corner. It has smaller facilities in New Brunswick, Bound Brook, Bridgewater and Chester.
The Tartan Ball, the nonprofit’s key fundraiser, is unique.
First held in 1986, it continues the tradition of the “Burn Supper” – a formal event where people dress in tartan attire to celebrate the life and work of Scottish poet Robert Burns. Ted Osborne, a Bonnie Brae board member and the grandson of Bonnie Brae’s founder Judge Harry V. Osborne, will lead the supper traditions this year, including paying the piper, saying a blessing, and toasting the evening along with Board President Betty Cass-Schmidt.
“The Tartan Ball is not just a celebration — it’s a call to action,” Bonnie Brae CEO Paul Rieger said. “Together, we can ensure our youth have the opportunity to heal, learn, and grow in a safe and nurturing environment. I am deeply grateful for the generosity of our supporters and the shared commitment of our community to building a brighter future for our youth.”
As part of the “Evening in Paris” themed event, attendees can enjoy live and silent auctions, performances by the Bonnie Brae Knights Drum Corps and the Big Mix band, food and drinks, and a special appearance by this year’s Guest of Honor, New York Giants alumni and three-time Super Bowl champion Bart Oates.
The Red Bandanna Award honors the memory of Welles Remy Crowther, a volunteer firefighter and equities trader who heroically gave his life saving others on Sept. 11. Each year, the Welles Remy Crowther Charitable Trust recognizes an exceptional individual who embodies Welles’ spirit of service with its Red Bandanna Award.
