Boston-based Youth Enrichment Services to Host Third Annual Martin Luther King Brunch Event at John Hancock Hall on Jan. 19, 2009

Youth Enrichment Services (YES), a non-profit that offers low- and moderate-income Boston area kids outdoor and practical learning activities, today announced that on Martin Luther King Day, January 19, 2009, YES will host a brunch at the John Hancock Hall (180 Berkeley Street, Boston) from 9-11 a.m. for youth leaders of the Boston community as well as interested adults.

The keynote speaker is Dana Barros, a graduate of Boston College who played basketball professionally for 14 years including 5 years with the Boston Celtics, and now is the Director of Player Development for the Celtics.

During the event, YES will recognize those who demonstrate the qualities of character, leadership and service that embodied the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King and YES founder Richard Williams. Following brunch, many YES participants will “go to the mountain top” at Pat's Peak in Henniker, N.H., for skiing and snowboarding.

Richard Williams, the founder of YES, attended Martin Luther King’s "I Have a Dream" speech in 1963. In 1968, Williams started YES and began to take kids to the "mountain top." Since 1968, YES has helped more than 100,000 low- and moderate-income Boston area youth build self-esteem and foster life long respect for themselves, others and the environment through participation in outdoor and practical learning activities.

For sponsorship or ticket information, call 617-267-5877 or visit the YES website at www.yeskids.org.

About Youth Enrichment Services (www.yeskids.org)

Since its founding in 1968, Youth Enrichment Services (YES) has helped more than 100,000 low- and moderate-income Boston area youth build self-esteem and foster life-long respect for themselves, others and the environment through participation in outdoor and practical learning activities. Research shows that YES kids who remain committed to the program over time -- serving as junior counselors and volunteers -- graduate high school, attend college and obtain jobs at a higher rate than their peers. YES also helps local youth agencies and schools offer challenging programs to reward and motivate their members/students. YES is unique in taking kids out of their familiar urban environment and challenging them with both summer and winter outdoor activities such as skiing, hiking and biking. YES is a 501(c)3 educational institution and is registered with the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office of Public Charities.