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Festive Gala

FOXBOROUGH -- The Patriots hosted their annual Kickoff Gala tonight at Gillette Stadium, which chairman/CEO Robert Kraft calls one of the special days on the calendar because it means the regular season is arriving.

Dressed in suits and ties, players and coaches mingle with guests and sign autographs. One player or coach sits at each table. The event is being hosted by Rich Eisen of the NFL Network.

As part of the Gala, the Patriots present the Ron Burton Community Service Award. Defensive lineman Ty Warren is this year's recipient.

Said Kraft: "This is one of my favorite nights. Everyone knows we're focused on winning and doing what we have to do, but making an impact in the community and seeing the results of guys making their [public] appearances and the money we give away, it all comes together. Honoring Ron Burton's legacy and what he represented as an African-American coming to this community in 1960 -- very humble, just a class act, raised a great family, built his camp. I hope these players listen to how we talk about Ron and what he represented."

Kraft also touched on the Patriots' football news, as Asante Samuel showed up at Gillette Stadium in the morning.

"I'm excited to have all our players back," he said. "Asante is a great player but you can't win unless you have them all."

Another part of the Gala is devoted to 2007 Patriots Hall of Fame inductee Stanley Morgan, who was in attendance.

"It feels great," said Morgan, who noted his favorite memory is the 1985 AFC Championship victory over the Dolphins. "It's always great to get back up here, see the old guys, and just talk about some of the old days."