Play for Peace's 5K Run/Walk Inspired by the Dreams of a Local Five-year-Old

    CHICAGO, IL, September 08, 2017 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Five years ago, Aidan Hennessy, a five-year-old kindergartener in Bartlett, IL, witnessed a Skype session between a group of Guatemalan kids and Play for Peace, a Chicago-based non-profit organization that brings peace to children living in areas in conflict around the world. The event was life changing for him, and from that inspiration came the desire to help. Aidan came up with the idea to start a "walk for peace" that would raise money for Play for Peace kids in need around the world. His hope was that the event would further Play for Peace's mission to use cooperative play to bring together people in communities afflicted by hate, violence, natural disaster, and more, and reduce the fear of people whose beliefs and backgrounds are different--just like it did for him.

Fast forward to 2017. On Friday, September 22, Play for Peace will host its fifth annual fall fundraiser inspired by this young boy, in conjunction with World Peace Day celebrations around the world. Branded the Glow Run 5K, this year's event will have a special twist: the run/walk will take place after sunset, with glow sticks and other light-up gear illuminating the 5K route through the Bartlett Nature Center in Bartlett, Illinois. This year the race has been certified by the USATF, making it a must-attend event for local running enthusiasts.

The Glow Run 5K is also a wonderful opportunity for residents of Bartlett and the surrounding area to come together in support of their local community. The event will include fitness, food, and fun: Beyond the 5K run and walk there will be an international food festival made up of a variety of area eateries, including Dogfather Hot Dogs, India House, and Mandarin Bistro; local vendors offering massages, face painting, and retail therapy; and activities for the whole family, from cooperative games and pumpkin decorating to fire truck tours hosted by the Bartlett Fire Department and nature play at the Bartlett Nature Center. There will also be a silent auction with offerings and experiences from many local businesses, such as Costco, Classic Cinemas, Joffrey Ballet, and Safari Land.

Last year, the World Peace Day event saw over 250 participants and raised over $45,000 for Play for Peace. This year the organization has a fundraising goal of $50,000, in hopes of better serving their global community, which is made up of 3,000 members in over 40 countries around the world. This includes communities here in the U.S., and specifically the local Chicago area, as five percent of each ticket purchase price will go to select Illinois school parent associations.

"Every community, everywhere, can benefit from Play for Peace," says Play for Peace Executive Director Sarah Gough. "Play for Peace plants the seed for harmony and better understanding--having the chance to be a part of it is inspiring, and a great gift to have." By infusing the power of play and compassion with the spirit of friendly competition, the 2017 Glow Run 5K offers a unique way for Chicagoland natives to join a global celebration of peace and strive together for a better world.

Register for the event via the Play for Peace website: http://www.playforpeace.org/event/glow-run-5k-run-walk/

Play for Peace (www.playforpeace.org) is a global learning community dedicated to bringing together children, youth, and organizations using cooperative play to create laughter, compassion, and peace around the world. We focus on communities that would benefit from increased youth leadership, cultural awareness, and bullying or violence prevention programs.

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