All in for Aaron - Sunday July 2025

The Aquidneck Island community is coming together to support a local teenager whose life was forever changed by a tragic accident that shocked the state earlier this month.

Aaron Delgado, who suffered critical injuries in the Portsmouth stairwell collapse during a graduation party on June 15, remains in the ICU facing a long road to recovery. The same incident claimed the life of one young woman and left the community reeling.

Now, the Hands of Hope Foundation is organizing “All In for Aaron,” a comprehensive fundraiser scheduled for Sunday, July 20, at the F.O.P. hall on 474 Mitchell’s Lane in Middletown. The event aims to provide both financial support and a powerful show of community solidarity for Aaron and her family during this unimaginable time.

“This event is more than a fundraiser — it’s a statement of love, unity, and hope,” organizers said in announcing the event. “Let’s show Aaron and her family that they are not alone, and that their community stands firmly beside them.”

A Day of Community Support

The fundraiser will kick off with a motorcycle run beginning at 9 a.m., with coffee and donuts served during registration. Riders will depart at 10 a.m. sharp, with all motorcyclists welcome to participate.

The main event runs from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and promises a full day of community activities including a BBQ buffet, live music performed outdoors throughout the day, raffles, a silent auction, and local vendors.

Event organizer Melody Mulcahey has coordinated ticket sales through multiple platforms to make participation as accessible as possible. Suggested donations are $25 for adults and riders, which includes food and one raffle ticket, and $10 for children under 12.

Supporting Aaron’s Journey

Aaron faces extensive rehabilitation, ongoing medical care, and major life adjustments following her injuries in the stairwell collapse. The fundraiser represents the community’s commitment to helping ease both the emotional and financial burden on her family during this challenging time.

All proceeds from the July 20 event will go directly toward Aaron’s recovery and care. For those unable to attend but wishing to contribute, a GoFundMe page has been established to support Aaron’s road to recovery.

The event organizers are also seeking raffle item donations and vendors to participate. Those interested in contributing can drop off items Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 42 Russo Road, Portsmouth, Unit 2.

How to Participate

Tickets are available through Eventbrite, or via Venmo (@MelodyMulcahey with PIN 2528), PayPal (NewportRIRocks@gmail.com), and Zelle (401-692-2528). When purchasing through alternative payment methods, buyers should include how many tickets they need and memo “July 20th.”

Tickets will also be available at the door on the day of the event, which will proceed rain or shine.

For more information about the event, to donate raffle items, or to become a vendor, contact AnEventForAaron@gmail.com.

The “All In for Aaron” fundraiser exemplifies the spirit of Aquidneck Island communities, demonstrating that in times of crisis, neighbors step up to support one another. As organizers put it: “We’re all in. We’re All In for Aaron.”


For more information about the event, visit https://notyouraverageevents.com/all-in-for-aaron or contact AnEventForAaron@gmail.com.

Ryan Belmore is the owner and publisher of What's Up Newp. He took over the publication in 2012 and has grown it into a three-time Rhode Island Monthly Best Local News Blog (2018, 2019, 2020). He was named LION Publishers Member of the Year in 2020 and received the Dominique Award from the Arts & Cultural Society of Newport County the same year. He has been awarded grants for investigative and community journalism, and continues to coach and mentor new local news publications nationwide. Ryan...