The Aidan Shea Foundation organizes one fundraising event each November/December, which was chosen deliberately to coincide with the time of year Aidan passed away. The goal is to celebrate Aidan during the time of year in which his loss is felt most severely.
The inaugural event – Greek God Gala - occurred on December 3, 2016 at the Wilder Mansion in Elmhurst. Nearly 200 people came together to celebrate Aidan, many in Greek God costumes in honor of Aidan’s love of Greek mythology. The event featured a silent auction, kid party with a DJ and crafts, sale of handmade Aidan Shea Foundation ornaments, speeches from Aidan’s parents, doctors and teachers, a special musical performance by Andrew’s beloved music teacher and much Aidan love shared all around. Over $25,000 was raised in that single evening and was used to benefit the Jackson Library Renovation Project and Lurie Children’s Hospital PICU Project IGNITE.
The 2017, 2018 and 2019 events occurred in early December each year and were themed as “Greek Gods in the Gutter.” The events were held at Fitz’s Spare Keys in Elmhurst. Hundreds of adults and children attended and enjoyed a silent and live auction, kid party with bowling, karaoke, crafts and a kid prize room, a gift card grab bag, musical performances by Aidan’s music teacher and many Shea family friends, and many laughs in Aidan’s honor. Combined with the 2016 event, over $100,000 has been raised in Aidan’s honor to benefit the Jackson and Bryan Libraries, Lurie’s PICU Project IGNITE and Gift of Hope Organ and Tissue Donor Network of Illinois.
The 2020 events were all virtual, with a week of activities celebrating Aidan. Over $30,000 was raised through a donation drive, Stella & Dot virtual party, virtual trivia night, virtual exercise class and a thankful tree project. These funds supported Lurie’s PICU Project IGNITE and Gift of Hope Organ and Tissue Donor Network of Illinois.
The 2021 event occurred in the Shea family backyard, with lots of food, drink and a huge heated tent. Family and friends joined for a wonderful night remembering Aidan. Over $20,000 was raised in support of Lurie’s PICU Project IGNITE and the newly formed Aidan Shea Foundation Scholarship at the University of Illinois College of Law.