The Hunter Burton Memorial Community Impact Award honors an individual or individuals who have used the power of games to foster community building, kindness, inclusion, and positive reinforcement. This unique award recognizes a person whose passion for games has become a transformative force, bringing people together, promoting empathy, and creating spaces where individuals can connect, learn, and grow in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Community Building Through Games: The recipient of this award demonstrates an exceptional ability to use games as tools to unite diverse groups of people. Whether through organizing game nights, tournaments, or social gatherings, they have created welcoming spaces where people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities can come together, build relationships, and develop a shared sense of belonging. By integrating fun and play, they cultivate stronger communities, breaking down social barriers and encouraging collaboration among individuals who may not otherwise cross paths.

Kindness in Every Move: At the heart of this individual’s work is a deep commitment to kindness. They understand that games are not just about competition, but about fostering a positive, encouraging atmosphere where everyone feels respected and valued. The recipient’s kindness is evident in how they create environments where participants are treated with empathy, where good sportsmanship is celebrated, and where every player, regardless of skill level, is made to feel welcome. Through their actions, they demonstrate that the true spirit of play lies in building others up, not tearing them down.

Inclusion Through Play: The awardee has a strong focus on ensuring that games are accessible to everyone. They actively seek out ways to include individuals who may feel excluded or overlooked—whether due to disability, socioeconomic barriers, or cultural differences. By introducing games that are adaptable, inviting diverse groups to participate, and encouraging inclusive play, they ensure that no one is left out. Whether by offering modified game rules, providing free or low-cost game opportunities, or creating accessible spaces, this person is dedicated to making sure that all players, regardless of their background or ability, can experience the joy and connection that comes from playing together.

The Community Impact Award is not just about an individual’s love for games, but about the profound, lasting impact they make through using games as a vehicle for connection, kindness, and inclusion. This award celebrates the power of play to create positive change, enrich lives, and build stronger, more compassionate communities where everyone can connect, thrive and feel safe.

Feel like you know someone who represents these core values? A store owner or employee? The person who started a local gaming group at the library or at a school? A member of a gaming community that has taken the extra steps to make the events or space meet the above ideas? Now you can nominate them using the link below!

We will be taking nominations until February 8th, 2025, and choosing the winner for announcement by February 20th. The winner will receive two nights hotel at this year’s HBMO and some travel accommodations to attend the event on March 14th -16th. They will receive the Community Impact Award on Saturday the 15th in front of the main attendance on stage and be presented with the annual HBMO watch.

In addition, we will share their story and that of several runners up in the days after the event on our website and socials to celebrate all the amazing things those individuals do for their communities!

Ready to nominate someone? Follow this link to start: CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE

*Make sure you have an email address for the individual you are nominating and are prepared to write 1-4 paragraphs about the impact they have made in your local community.

We are so excited to celebrate these community champions making a positive difference! Get those nominations in and we’ll see you at the 2025 Hunter Burton Memorial Open on March 14th – 16th at the Hurst Conference Center in Hurst Texas!