"Every year, Aidan has suggestions for new elements to make our event better, and he is our most energetic spokesperson." - Sarah Gough, Play for Peace Executive Director
During the past four years, along with family and friends, nine-year-old Aidan Hennessy has helped raise more than $60,000 for Play for Peace. Every year, the World Peace Day Fall Run/Walk becomes his opportunity to recruit people to participate in the event and help him bring more laughter, compassion, and peace to communities in conflict. The event took place on Saturday, September 24, and was Play for Peace's most successful event. 250 people of all ages came together to join our celebration of World Peace Day with an international food festival, music, activities, and a silent auction. Aidan's involvement began when he was in kindergarten. His mother, Lisa Gelsomino, hosted a World Peace Day party for Play for Peace at her company. Aidan was moved when he saw, via Skype, Play for Peace youth leaders from Guatemala, and he wrote an essay at school, saying that if he had $100, he would give it to Play for Peace.
Given her son's genuine interest in helping, Gelsomino joined the board of directors and began what is now known as the World Peace Day Fall Run/Walk, an annual event that draws support from 20 local communities. "Aidan's commitment to Play for Peace has been building since he was in kindergarten," said Executive Director Sarah Gough. "He has been involved every step of the way in building this event, from hosting lemonade stands and garage sales to raising money to put up flyers in local businesses. Aidan promotes the event in his school and has been interviewed on television. Every year, Aidan has suggestions for new elements to make our event better, and he is our most energetic spokesperson." Play for Peace will keep its online fundraising page open until early November, and donations are still welcome. To help Aidan Hennessy's Imagine team reach their goal or to make a general donation, visit https://www.crowdrise.com/PeaceDayRunWalk2016.
