If Chicago is the “City of Big Shoulders,” as described by Carl Sandburg, then Aurora must be the “City with a Big Heart.”
I was reminded of this over the last three weeks as I watched or participated in a number of events across the 44 square miles of our fair city. It was a busy time in our community, but that is really not unusual.
Boys II Men, a youth empowerment organization that focuses on excellence, packed Piper’s Banquets on Thursday, Jan. 29. Young men were recognized, in front of parents and friends, for their academic achievements and community service. Boys II Men builds young men of character who share a laser-like focus on college, success and careers.
The next morning, the Aurora Hispanic Heritage Advisory Board breakfast welcomed over 500 people from across the community to recognize talented K–12 students, award college scholarships and honor adult leaders. José Torres, the dynamic new president of IMSA, had the crowd’s full attention as he described his path from childhood poverty to the pinnacle of success.
On Valentine’s Day, Wayside Cross hosted its Walk a Mile in My Shoes fundraising event, which supports LifeSpring Ministry’s assistance and training of women and children in need, and its Urban Youth Ministries, which sponsors a number of programs, including a youth baseball league that targets disadvantaged children.
In frigid conditions, some 300 people walked to raise funds. A large number of the participants were Aurora University student athletes who had already raised substantial dollars from their fellow students.
Then it was on to the Aurora East Band Boosters Pancake Breakfast at East High. The Band Boosters raise funds to make musical instruments available to students. Studies show that learning how to play a musical instrument instills the organization and discipline students need to succeed in other subjects, and in life, itself.
On the evening of Feb. 26, Aurora Central Catholic High School will host a 20th Anniversary Remembrance of Moshe Rodgers. The next night, the African American Heritage Advisory Board will present 10 local students with Henry Cowherd Scholarships at its annual dinner at Gaslite Manor.
And the “City with a Big Heart” will play a big part in a fundraiser on March 1 at St. Peter’s School to help the family of Jesse Vazquez, Kane County Board member and Marine Corps veteran who died suddenly last month. The public is invited.
Ours is a city that cares, a city where volunteers make all the difference. Indeed, Aurora is a city that works, because it’s a city that works together.
