Coincidentally and perhaps fittingly, World Kindness Day immediately follows the anniversary of Peter Bonn-Elchoness’ untimely passing.

Observed each year on Nov. 13, the annual day of awareness encourages individuals to practice kindness in their daily lives and highlights the importance of empathy, understanding and cooperation to create a more harmonious and caring world.

Renowned throughout his school community as a magnetic presence and gifted student-athlete involved in myriad extracurricular activities who always looked out for others, Bonn-Elchoness embodied the spirit of World Kindness Day.

Suddenly and without warning, however, a rare disease that causes damage to the heart of even completely healthy individuals claimed the life of Bonn-Elchoness at age 17 while he was sleeping on Nov. 12, 2022.

Shortly after his passing, Peter’s family learned even more about his generosity of spirit through condolence letters they received from his classmates. Among other acts, Peter stood up to bullies, supported kids in crisis, and rooted for teammates and competitors. His parents, Dave Elchoness and Eve Bonn, were told Peter saved lives.

To honor their son’s memory, Dave, an Edison High School alumnus (Class of ’89), and Eve founded The Peter Fund, whose mission is to support efforts to increase compassion, generosity, kindness, and sportsmanship, especially among young people.

The nonprofit created the Kindness Counts Award and an accompanying online nomination process to recognize extraordinary teens who demonstrate those qualities. The first set of awards were presented in May 2023 to Peter’s senior classmates at Niwot High School in Colorado.

Peter’s parents, who are working to expand the program nationally, have now included much of Boulder County, Col., and partnered last year with The Marisa Tufaro Foundation in New Jersey to establish an annual Greater Middlesex Conference Kindness Counts Award, which honors up to four student-athletes from the league.

Nominees from the Greater Middlesex Conference’s 36 member schools whose sportsmanlike conduct transcends the playing field to high school campuses and beyond – filtering into classrooms, hallways, communities, and even at home – will be considered for the 2025 Greater Middlesex Conference Kindness Counts Award.

Recipients will receive a commemorative plaque, T-shirt and $500 to donate in their name to a charity of their choice that serves Middlesex County children in need. Faculty, staff, administrators, coaches, classmates, teammates, and opponents can nominate a student-athlete for the award.

CLICK HERE FOR A NOMINATION FORM

The recipients will be honored during the conference’s annual Sportsmanship Awards luncheon on April 16 at The Pines Manor in Dave’s native Edison.

“It’s never been more apparent that we need more kindness, understanding and treating each other with respect as we do right now,” Greater Middlesex Conference Executive Director Frank Noppenberger said. “The Peter Fund is a wonderful way of promoting and rewarding extraordinary acts of kindness, citizenship, volunteerism, inclusivity, empathy, charity, and sportsmanship.”

Student-athletes, many of whom are looked up to as leaders, are often held to a higher standard. The manner in which they conduct themselves reflects upon the name that appears on the back and front of their jerseys. Student-athletes, such as Peter, who as an accomplished fencer qualified for the Junior Olympics, can make a difference outside the competitive arena.

“Simply put, Peter is no longer here but the world desperately needs more of what he did during his lifetime,” said Dave Elchoness, noting that despite Peter’s untimely passing, his legacy of honorable deeds continues.

“To be able to honor Peter’s memory by presenting this award to student-athletes in Middlesex County, a place where I no longer live but for which I will always feel a deep fondness, is profoundly meaningful.”

The Peter Fund offers support and encourages teen-centered programs that enhance understanding, compassion, generosity of spirit, and simple kindness. The nonprofit’s focus is on efforts relating to basic respect, anti-bullying, mental health, teamwork, and sportsmanship.

Dave Elchoness is a friend and former Edison High School classmate of Cyndi Tufaro, who along with her husband Greg founded The Marisa Tufaro Foundation in memory of their inspirational daughter to assist pediatric patients and children in need throughout the greater Middlesex County area.

Born with a severe cardiac defect, Marisa survived six open-heart surgeries and a heart transplant before succumbing in 2017 to a rare form of cancer. She was just 13 years old.

Despite being hospitalized for more than two years and maintaining hundreds of doctors’ appointments, Marisa was an Edison Township Public Schools honor roll student who lived an inspirational life.

With incredible support from Greater Middlesex Conference schools, the foundation bearing Marisa’s name has donated more than $350,000 to fulfill its mission.

The nonprofit has also spearheaded drives that have generated thousands of toys, nonperishable food items, winter jackets, baby supplies, school supplies, and other items for donation upon which it has placed no monetary value.

In addition, The Marisa Tufaro Foundation has awarded $33,000 in scholarships to 42 exceptional Middlesex County high school seniors and sent 27 elementary and middle school students to a weeklong summer art camp at Rutgers University’s Zimmerli Museum.

“Out of an unfathomable tragedy, the Bonn-Elchoness family has found an ineffably meaningful way to keep alive Peter’s indomitable spirit,” Cyndi Tufaro said. “The Marisa Tufaro Foundation is honored to partner with The Peter Fund and the Greater Middlesex Conference on this important initiative.

“We welcome the opportunity to celebrate student-athletes who never met Peter but mirror his benevolent nature.”

The Greater Middlesex Conference Kindness Counts Award is based on the following criteria:

Consistent Kindness: Regular acts of kindness – big or small – toward classmates, teachers, staff, and family throughout a student-athlete’s time in high school. Acts could range from daily niceties such as holding doors open to larger acts such as caring for a family member or helping at home.

Impactful Actions: Undertaking activities that create a positive and meaningful impact on others. Examples include launching or participating in a community project, mentoring younger students, or emotionally supporting peers.

Inclusivity: Making efforts to welcome and include everyone, especially those who might feel left out or marginalized. Actions can include befriending newcomers, standing up to bullying, or advocating for inclusive school activities.

Empathy: Demonstrating a strong understanding and sensitivity to the feelings of others, such as comforting a distressed friend or being a source of emotional support to classmates.

Community Involvement: Active engagement in community-based activities that align with the spirit of kindness, such as volunteering, attending community events, or making a positive impact in the local area.

Charitable Initiative: Showing a true desire to help causes bigger than oneself such as being involved in regular volunteer work, initiating fundraising events, or educating others on important social issues.

Sportsmanship: Exemplifying fair play, respect for opponents, and gracious behavior in both victory and defeat, including displaying humility and integrity, encouraging others, and showing appreciation for the opportunity to participate.