On Saturday, September 21, we celebrated World Peace Day with the seventh annual Play for Peace Fall 5K Run/Walk. Despite the rainy forecast, the event was a great success, drawing 300 attendees to the Bartlett Nature Center in Bartlett, IL, and raising more than $41,000 to support our peace building efforts around the world.
From the race and fantastic array of family-friendly activities, to the international food festival and silent auction, there was something for everyone to enjoy. When attendees arrived on Saturday afternoon, they were greeted with countless options for fun and entertainment: a live animal show, a visit with Superman, crafts, games, archery, face painting, a silent auction with more than 200 prizes, and more. The race kicked off at 6pm, with runners of all ages hitting the trails in honor of World Peace Day—and the dreary, rainy day didn’t hold anyone back. Our top finishers included:
12 and under 
Male: Royce Krush (23:40)
Female: Casey Ude (47:02)
Age 13 to 21
Male: Adam Woods (26:13)
Female: Audrey Morhardt (30:30)
Age 21 to 50
Male: Mike Winters (22:11)
Female: Alexis Pratt (21:51)
Over 50
Male: Dave Kingman (21:05)
Female: Maureen Schmidt (26:38)
Check out the full race results, here.
It is thanks to the many participating businesses and organizations—including our sponsors, local partners and vendors, international food festival participants, and silent auction donors—that we were able to host such an unforgettable World Peace Day celebration. The event’s success is also due to the help of our board members John Guarrine, Ron Kovich, and Michael Terrien; Denise Chipman and the Avalon team; and Lisa, Mike and Aidan Hennessy. To date, Aidan's Dream Team has raised $28,290—more than $3,000 than his team raised last year!
Thanks to the amazing efforts of so many people, Play for Peace can continue to bring together children, youth, and organizations in communities in conflict, using the power of cooperative play to create laughter, compassion, and peace. Save the date for the 2020 Play for Peace 5K and World Peace Day Celebration: September 26, 2020!
You can still help us reach our $50,000 fundraising goal. Donate now!
