Nine-Year-Old Bartlett Boy Leads Fundraising Efforts for Chicago Nonprofit

Bartlett, IL - Aidan Hennessy is a typical nine-year-old kid from Bartlett. He attends the local elementary school and is an active Cub Scout. He differs from the norm, though, because the money he raises with his lemonade stand, chores and garage sales benefits kids in Chicago and around the world. For the past four years, Hennessy has recruited his family and friends to help raise more than $50,000 for Play for Peace, which works in suburban schools, Chicago neighborhoods, and in 20 countries around the world.

This year, Hennessy has already raised more than $15,000 of his $25,000 team goal for Play for Peace's fourth annual event in honor of World Peace Day. The World Peace Day Fall Run and Walk will take place at the Bartlett Nature Center on Saturday, Sept. 24. The event celebrates the United Nations' International Day of Peace and raises money for Play for Peace, which helps children in communities marked by conflict.

Play for Peace Executive Director, Sarah Gough, believes that Hennessy's efforts along with his team members, will go a long way toward helping Play for Peace achieve its fundraising goal of $50,000. "Aidan has been such a driving force in our fundraising efforts. He has been our top fundraising participant for several years now, and he and his fellow Cub Scouts earn badges for their participation. He shows a remarkable commitment for a boy his age, wanting to raise enough money to support our programs for children, youth and communities around the world. He and his friends are well on their way to achieving their goal."

The family-friendly event features a 5k run and 1k nature walk along scenic courses at the Bartlett Nature Center. The kid- and pet-friendly nature walk kicks off with a bubble run, includes a treasure hunt, and ends in a foam pit. Activities include pumpkin decorating, face painting, DJ, and Play for Peace games. Children can visit booths sponsored by the U.S. Coast Guard and local police and fire departments. Participants can also bid on silent auction items that include Bears and Bulls tickets, family fun packages and unique items.

Registration is $25 for adults, $15 for teens and $10 for children two and older, and includes a drawstring backpack, event T-shirt, access to all activities, and an international food festival with several different cuisines. Pre-registration is encouraged in order to receive a registration bag, T-shirt and prizes.

To help Aidan Hennessy's Imagine team reach their goal, visit https://www.crowdrise.com/imagine2 to make a donation. To register for the Fall Run/Walk, visit https://www.crowdrise.com/PeaceDayRunWalk2016.

Play for Peace brings together children, youth and organizations from communities in conflict, using cooperative play to create laughter, compassion and peace. In divided neighborhoods in the U.S., and communities of conflict and tragedy around the world, teen facilitators create safe spaces where children from different cultures and backgrounds can discover what connects them, rather than what divides them. Play for Peace is a Chicago-based 501 (c) 3 global nonprofit organization with 2700 members and 59 Play for Peace Clubs in 20 countries.