The Aspiring Kindness Foundation is having a Halloween event that is open to the public in The East Wing at The Stumble Inn in New York City on Saturday, Oct. 29 at 7 p.m.
"Aspiring Kindness Foundation was created to always remember Aaron Karol and everyone involved in the Boland Hall fire by raising funds for several great causes including fire departments, EMTs, first responders, burn units, fire prevention and the Aaron Karol Memorial Scholarship," said Mike Merizio, a close friend of Karol's and one of Aspiring Kindness Foundation's founders.
"We were looking for a fun way to celebrate Halloween while raising money for the Aspiring Kindness Foundation," Merizio said.
According to the event's flyer, there will be a $50 charge at the door which will include a three hour top shelf open bar in a private room and prizes for best costume.
"100 percent of the proceeds made at the event will be going to Aspiring Kindness Foundation," Merizio said.
According to Merizio, everyone must be 21 years of age to attend. Merizio added that even if you do not plan to drink any alcohol, the charge still applies per the requirements of the establishment.
"Our goal as a foundation is to donate equipment such as hoses, ladders and/or firemen gear to several fire departments, donate equipment, such as A.E.D. (Automated External Defibrillators), immobilization boards and/or first aid supplies to EMT's," Merizio said. "Another important goal of ours is to donate to the Youth Burn Victim camp to support kids that suffered significant burn injuries and provide an environment that will promote self-confidence, pride, accomplishment as part of the healing process."
Merizio also said that they would like to donate clothing and household items to house fire victims and sponsor fire presentation classes at schools to educate students.
According to Merizio, the foundation has been in existence for almost one year.
"We have been able to raise a great deal of money towards our cause and we have begun to distribute the donations," Merizio said. "We look forward to having many more events in the future including blood drives, golf outings and much more."
Kimberly Bolognini can be reached at kimberly.bolognini@student.shu.edu
