Christmas in the City thrills homeless families, takes on poignancy with founders ALS diagnosis – The Boston Globe

Wow, its beautiful! said Aylajoy Dufresne, 5, who wore a pink tutu, as she ran to princess Elena of Avalor and hugged her. Elena!

I wasnt expecting all this, said her mother, Cassy Dufresne. Im very grateful to be here; this is getting us in the Christmas spirit.

Thousands of volunteers rallied this year to serve more than 6,000 people from dozens of shelters at the 31st annual Christmas in the City, which has grown from a small gathering at City Hall in 1989 to a massive party thrown for families struggling with homelessness.

The event featured performances by the Blue Man Group, a gospel choir, and an Afro-Caribbean band, as well as a petting zoo, amusement rides, Santa Claus photo booths, face paint, manicures, haircuts, dental screenings, flu shots, and white-clothed tables holding pizza, chicken tenders, and gingerbread cookies.

This year took on particular poignancy because the founder and lead organizer, Jake Kennedy, 64, has been diagnosed with ALS, which took the lives of his father and brother. Kennedys son, Zack, a neuroscientist at University of Massachusetts Medical School, has dedicated himself to researching a cure for the lethal disease. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrigs disease, is a progressive and eventually fatal neurological disease in which a persons mind remains strong while the body slowly loses its functions.

This is a big year, said Alexandra Lee, who has helped manage the events volunteers for 25 years. Were here to support him and make sure Christmas in the City stays as wonderful as its always been, and to support the family to fight this.

Mayor Martin J. Walsh of Boston stood onstage beside Kennedy and his wife, Sparky, and expressed his gratitude and admiration of Jake Kennedy.

Many of you in this room might not know him personally, but he does this because he loves you, Walsh said. He loves every single family in our Commonwealth, in our country. ... He is my hero.

Kennedy raised his arm to the applause that broke out, his face serious as he looked at the crowd before hugging Walsh.

Offstage, Kennedy struggled to speak, though he made a point to say one thing.

When you ask people what they like best the winter wonderland, Santa, the food, the Blue Man Group they all reply, This is the first time in our lives weve been treated with dignity and compassion, Kennedy said. Thats because of the volunteers.

His wife added: We all deserve to be treated with dignity and compassion.

Many parents said they were thrilled to see their children laughing and having fun with activities they can rarely access.

I dont want to miss anything; this is beautiful, said Anthony Raye, as he and his son, Antonio, 10, plotted their next moves: face-painting and visiting animals.

I just want to have fun and take care of my dad, Antonio said.

Along one wall, children were petting therapy dogs, whose tails wagged. Nice doggie! a girl said, as she stroked a golden retriever named Rider.

By a salon sign, hairstylists buzzed, cut, and blow-dried the hair of parents and kids.

Aaron Lauderdale, 7, received a mohawk, his face painted like a green Grinch.

This is the one and only time Ill let him have a mohawk, said his mother, Natashia Lauderdale. This is his day. Im just along for the ride. I feel like a big little kid all over again.

A parade led by men playing bagpipes filed through the room, followed by Santa Claus on a raised platform. The Kennedys led a countdown, prompting a red curtain to rise on one wall, leading to a winter wonderland of amusement rides and a petting zoo. Children clamored for a carousel, flying chair swings, bouncy castles, super slides, trampolines, and a rock-climbing wall.

Michaela Singletary took photos of her 2-month-old son and marveled at the sheep, parrots, and camels. Kids nearby fed goats and petted a tortoise.

Im trying to make memorable things so when he gets older, he can look back and see, Wow, my first Christmas was special, she said.

Amelia McCauley pushed her 2-year-old, Lauryal, in a stroller.

I feel special, she said. I dont know when something like this is going to come by again, so I just want to enjoy it.

The Kennedy family will collect funds for ALS research on a website launching Tuesday, http://www.jakekennedyalsfund.org.

Naomi Martin can be reached at naomi.martin@globe.com.

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Christmas in the City thrills homeless families, takes on poignancy with founders ALS diagnosis - The Boston Globe