Celebrating generosity 10th Annual Aaron Eilerts Day set for Feb. 22

Sometimes there’s a silver lining around dark clouds. Ten years ago, something very good came out of a terrible tragedy. In 2008, the community of Eagle Grove came together to deal with the loss of 14-year-old Aaron Eilerts who lost his life in a tornado at Little Sioux Boy Scout Ranch. Serving as a Scout leader, his last act of kindess was helping others, ultimately saving m any lives before losing his own. I n February of 2009, the birthday month of Eilerts, the silver lining to this terrible loss occured when they held the fi rst annual Aaron Eilerts Day - a day to promote kindess, generosity, and compassion, just as Eilerts had done during his short life.

Governor Chet Culver even came to Eagle Grove to proclaim Feb. 24 (Eilerts’ birthday) as the Aaron Eilerts Day of Service and Giving. Only three people in the history of Iowa, Eilerts being one of them, have had a day named after them.

The students and staff of Robert Blue Middle School (RBMS) are proud to say they have celebrated the Aaron Eilerts Day of Service and Giving each year since, on or around February 24.

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