McKinley Elementary – Kevin’s Afterglow Buddy Bench Dedication

McKinley Elementary student Logan Bieling demonstrated his commitment to spreading kindness and empathy in the community. In a heartwarming gesture, he presented Kevin’s Afterglow with a generous donation of $4,125 to acquire a Buddy Bench for his school. Logan’s dedication to this cause was apparent as he raised these funds through his annual lemonade stand, a tradition he and his family have upheld for five years now, selecting different charitable beneficiaries each year.

In honor of this wonderful initiative, Jim Kutzo organized a special Kevin’s Afterglow Buddy Bench Dedication at McKinley School. The newly installed bench can be found outdoors, right next to the playground. During the event, Kevin shared meaningful words with the children, emphasizing the importance of kindness and inclusivity. He explained that the Buddy Bench serves as a special spot where anyone feeling sad, lonely, or left out can sit. It encourages others to reach out and offer friendship. It’s a heartwarming way to promote empathy and connections among students.

The Kevin’s Afterglow Buddy Bench Project is part of a larger mission to install buddy benches in Fairfield. This project is managed by the nonprofit organization Kevin’s Afterglow, which was established by the Kuczo family in memory of their son, Kevin Kuczo, who tragically passed away by suicide in 2021. The project’s primary aim is to teach children the values of kindness and empathy from a young age.
To date, these benches have been placed in half of Fairfield’s schools, making a significant impact in nurturing a compassionate and supportive environment.

If you’d like to contribute to the Buddy Bench project and help further this fantastic cause, you can sponsor a bench by visiting their website at https://www.kevinsafterglow.org/. Your support can make a significant difference in spreading empathy and kindness within the community.