Confronting tragedy with courage

Sometimes, a tragedy can connect a community and bring out the best in its people. The small town of Hamilton, Montana, is one such example of empathy in action.

On July 7, 2019, Robert Anthony Leonardi, aged 9, died after being struck by a negligent and impaired driver. His death affected the entire community. People immediately came to the aid and comfort of the parents, Phil and Alyce Leonardi, two beloved high school teachers, and that outpouring still reverberates today.

Some 1,500 friends and neighbors attended the funeral to embrace the Leonardi family and share in their grief. The next day, about 200 people showed up for an impromptu run to further show their love and support. Thus began the now annual Robert’s Run. But that was only the beginning.

Rather than succumb to despair, the family chose to issue a positive call to action by forming the Play Like Robert Foundation (PLRF). And again, the community rallied to the cause. The foundation’s mission is to keep Robert’s spirit alive through learning, play and the courage to try. It provides a variety of community resources including playground and sports equipment, reading programs, soccer team sponsorships and other initiatives.

Inspiring action to benefit children

Robert’s Run is now the foundation’s signature event with all proceeds going to support its various programs. This event includes a 10k, 5k and one-mile run/walk. It also offers a virtual “Play Like Robert” activity that allows participants to partake in the usual run/walk or choose an activity such as hiking, fishing, painting or sewing.

“The outpouring of community support is helping to heal our family,” said Phil Leonardi, the father of Robert and communications director of the PLRF. “And through our foundation, we are all honoring Robert’s memory by helping other children learn and play with joy and purpose, just as my son did.”

The foundation is also currently working to complete a pedestrian and bicycle commuter path that connects to Daly Elementary School, which Robert attended, via Golf Course Road and Kurtz Lane. The project, in partnership with local government entities, will result in a two-mile trail system extension that provides safe travel for students and exercise for the entire community.

“The Play Like Robert Foundation is an example of something good coming from an unspeakable tragedy.”

– Bryan Jones, Owner, Hamilton Insurance

One community member who jumped in to help following the tragedy is Bryan Jones, owner of Hamilton Insurance. Robert’s aunt is one of Jones’ employees, so he knows the family well. Along with making an annual donation of $1,000 and Jones’ participation in Robert’s Run, the agency also regularly promotes the foundation through its business contacts. In addition, office manager Mary Wetzsteon has served as a Robert’s Run event volunteer since its inception in 2019, preparing race day bags for participants, gathering awards and performing other duties.

“The Play Like Robert Foundation is an example of something good coming from an unspeakable tragedy,” said Jones. “We’re proud to stand with our neighbors in support of the Leonardi family and their courage to persevere.”

“The foundation is our way of honoring Robert’s memory by helping other children learn and play with joy and purpose, just as my son did.”

 – Philip Leonardi, Director of Communications, Play Like Robert Foundation and father of Robert

The healing power of joy and play

Your vote can help the Play Like Robert Foundation complete a pedestrian and bicycle commuter path in Hamilton. The PLRF has already committed more than $50,000 to the preliminary engineering and design phase, and a Make More Happen award can help bring the trail expansion closer to completion.

Help Hamilton Insurance win $10,000 for the Play Like Robert Foundation by clicking the vote button. Get them an extra vote by cheering them on in the comments below by June 30, 2024.