Rep. Ackert Honors Founder of PJ Day for the Kids

COVENTRY – State Representative Tim Ackert (R-8) presented a legislative citation honoring Nick Wesoloskie of Coventry December 11 at the “PJ Day” for the Kids Movie Night to benefit the Children’s Medical Center in Hartford.

Nick, age 11, started PJ Day in 2011 as a fundraiser to raise money for his sister Charlotte, who was diagnosed with cancer as an infant. Students and staff at Coventry Grammar School, G.H. Robertson School, Captain Nathan Hale Middle School and Coventry High School that donated $1 or a toy got to wear their pajamas at school all day. In the evening, students gathered to raffle off prize baskets, sell goodies, and watch seasonal films in the auditorium.

To date, PJ Day has collected more than $23,000 for the Center, and 16 other school districts in the state have adopted their own version of the fundraiser. Local businesses, including 5 Highland Park Markets and 42 Dunkin Donuts from across the state, have donated to and sponsored these events.

“It is amazing that someone, especially someone so young, can have such an impact on so many,” Rep. Ackert said to Nick. “This wonderful idea that you worked so hard to bring to life has undoubtedly helped many of the state’s pediatric cancer patients, and you should be incredibly proud of that.”

Students wear pajamas to honor their friends, classmates and family members battling cancer, as they sometimes must stay in their pajamas for weeks at a time. While Charlotte is healthy today, Nick continues the tradition because he is so grateful for the lifesaving care that she received while at the Children’s Medical Center.

If you are interested in donating to the Center, starting PJ Day for the Kids at your school, or sponsoring a school through your business, please visit their website at http://bit.ly/1P3eKJi or www.connecticutchildrens.org.

Rep. Tim Ackert presents a citation to Nick Wesoloskie, founder of PJ Day for the Kids.