"Now I understand better why you talk about the Play for Peace family." - Play for Peace Trainer Loren Rubin
We continue to share the highlights of our Feast for Peace, which turned Belvedere Banquets into a festive Carnevale setting for 135 generous supporters last Thursday, April 14, in Elk Grove Village, IL. The total amount raised from our silent auction and ticket sales was $33,000, which will go a long way toward helping us create freedom from fear for every child. Our guests had some great things to say about the event and Play for Peace.
Here is some of what we heard: "This was the best event to date." "Now I understand better why you talk about the Play for Peace family." "I think it's interesting that we are not fundraising for material things; we are fundraising to help kids heal emotionally and mentally." "Why isn't my daughter doing Play for Peace? This would be perfect for her!" The evening program was emceed by Jerome McDonnell, host of Worldview on WBEZ, and it brought some special moments. The Michael J. Terrien Service Award was presented to Loren Rubin, our Play for Peace trainer in Los Angeles. The award recognizes outstanding service to Play for Peace, and Loren was recognized for his work at the Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA), where youth leaders gather weekly to hone their skills and prepare to facilitate Practice Peace Sessions three times each week for more than 250 children. As Executive Director Sarah Gough introduced Loren, she read a moving letter from his wife, Patty, and son, Max, who weren’t able to attend the event, but wanted Loren to know how proud they were of him.
Here are some of Patty Rubin's words about her husband: "We know how much Play for Peace means to him and his program at HOLA. We also know that he is so moved and humbled to be recognized for his efforts by an organization that he feels is changing the world for the better - one young leader at a time. We've always known how special Loren is, so it makes us happy when others recognize that too! Loren, and Dad, we love you so much and are so, so proud of you!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!" To close the program, Play for Peace Vice Chair Lisa Gelsomino took the stage with her son, Aidan Hennessy, who made a special appeal to the audience. Aidan encouraged everyone to support Play for Peace's next fundraising event, the Walk for Peace and World Peace Day Celebration on Saturday, September 24. Aidan announced his personal fundraising goal of $25,000 and encouraged people to form their teams and continue their support of Play for Peace. We offer heartfelt thanks to our dedicated volunteers and supporters who helped make this year's Feast for Peace a record-breaking success.
Our congratulations and thanks to Loren Rubin, this year's recipient of the Michael J. Terrien Service Award! We look forward to seeing everyone at next year's Feast on Tuesday, March 7, 2017!
