Annual Kindness Day Bolingbrook Celebration Includes Mural Unveiling

BOLINGBROOK, IL — An event that promotes kindness in the community and that was started after a local girl became sick celebrated its second annual Kindness Day, which included the unveiling of an outdoor mural.

The mural, which was created by Elgin artist Stacy Lazzara, was unveiled during the second annual Kindness Day Bolingbrook, which included appearances by local officials. The mural, which is located at the Central Park Pavilion, includes the message “Kindness Is My Jam: Help Spread It.”

Kindness Day was inspired by Marissa Yelenosky, whose daughter, Samantha, became ill in the fourth grade and was forced to miss time in school. Inspired by the kindness of school officials and her daughter’s friends and classmates at Pioneer during her serious health scare, Marissa Yelenosky came up with the idea of Kindness Day to inspire other local residents to demonstrate kindness to others.

“My dream is that every child and person in the world is the recipient of the same type of kindness and love that our daughter and our family received during our difficult times,” Yelenosky said in a news release. "We want to encourage kindness and help others to see the impact that simple acts of kindness can have on a person's life."

Mayor Mary Alexander-Basta and Police Chief Mike Rompa were among the village officials and staff members who participated in the day-long event.

Local residents who stopped by Fountaindale Public Library received Kindness bags as part of the event. Taco Dalé also gave away free ice cream to those who brought in a Kindness bag.

Eli Valadez, a Bolingbrook resident, and Make-A-Wish Illinois child was recognized and celebrated during Kindness Day during this year’s event. Eli has been battling health issues and is looking to make his dream of going to Hawaii come true.

Kindness Day Bolingbrook was first introduced in 2018 in recognition of the overwhelming kindness shown to Samantha Yelenosky. Samantha’s parents wanted to share their gratitude for the kindness she received and express how simple acts of kindness were critical to their daughter's recovery. Kindness Day became a community celebration in 2019 and since then has been celebrated yearly.