'Live Life Large' for Fallen U.S. Marine and Beverly Native, Conner Lowry

Live life large — That was Conner Lowry's mantra.

And it's one that motivates those who carry on the late U.S. Marine's memory throughout his community in The Southland, where an Oak Lawn-based nonprofit organization in his name continues to raise money for veterans and their families. The Conner T. Lowry Memorial Banquet will be held this month for the fifth consecutive year.

Set for Aug. 27 in Merrionette Park, the event includes dinner, a full bar, silent auctions, prizes, raffles and live music by the band, Almost Einstein, according to the nonprofit organization's website. Proceeds fund educational scholarships at St. John Fisher Elementary School and The Road Home Program: The Center for Veterans and their Families at Rush University Medical Center.

Lowry was a lifelong Beverly resident who attended St. John Fisher School and graduated from Brother Rice High School. He died in Afghanistan on March 1, 2012. Those who knew him have described him as "spirited" and "larger than life."

"It is this spirit that the Conner T. Lowry Memorial Fund hopes to nurture for future generations for educational scholarships and to assist veterans and their families in need," coordinators said.

Tickets for the annual fundraiser are $45 in advance and $50 at the door. They can be purchased online or via checks made payable to the Conner T. Lowry Memorial NFP and sent to: Conner T. Lowry Memorial NFP, 9624 S. Cicero Ave., #285, Oak Lawn, IL 60453.

For more information, visit connertlowrymemorialfund.com.