Inaugural Fundraiser Set For Foundation In Memory Of New Lenox Man

NEW LENOX, IL — The first fundraiser for the Tyler Koscinski Memorial Foundation is set, the family has announced.

The foundation—started in honor of Koscinski, 20, following his death in a September crash—has been established to support athletes like Koscinski. The New Lenox native was a dedicated athlete and beloved member of the New Lenox community.

"Tyler's love for athletics and his unwavering dedication to his team and peers inspire us to support the next generation of student-athletes," the foundation's leaders wrote in its introduction. "All donations to the foundation will be directed towards scholarships and support for young athletes in the Lincoln-Way area, ensuring that Tyler’s spirit continues to drive excellence and opportunity in the world of sports. ... We want to assure you that every contribution will have a meaningful impact."

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"We want to inspire and help the athletes through the foundation," his mother Kelly Koscinski previously told Patch, noting they will likely focus on Lincoln-Way West students. "Just like Tyler was helped."

A fundraiser will be held at JBD White Horse Inn, 348 W. Maple St., where Tyler Koscinski was a familiar face as a barback. The event is set for Saturday, Oct. 26, from 4 to 8 p.m. Entry fee is a $20 donation; food and drink are not included. A 50/50 raffle will be held, along with raffle baskets and silent auction items offered.

The organization's founders are currently seeking 501c3 status for the foundation, Tyler's brother Connor Lowman previously told Patch. A website is also in progress.

"I’m going to make sure his name never dies," Connor Lowman said, "and his story’s going to be told for years and years to come."

Kelly Koscinski believes some good can come from their family's devastating loss; Tyler would have wanted it that way.

"We just feel that this is now his purpose," she said previously.

The foundation was started shortly after Tyler's death, when a GoFundMe started by a family friend generated more than $30,000 initially, and nearly $42,000 to-date.

Their hope is to support athletes like Tyler—those fueled by passion and intense focus. Tyler played both football and baseball, matriculating through local youth sports clubs such as the New Lenox Mustangs Youth Football and Cheerleading. He was a dual-sport athlete until he turned his focus entirely to baseball later in high school, his father Chris Koscinski said.

"Baseball became the dominant sport for him," Chris previously told Patch. "He put the work in, too, and it showed. Playing different positions, then settled into the shortstop position. Dominated that position, started hitting like a pro—hitting home runs, doubles, singles."

He was determined to grow his skills, Chris said.

"He was a workhorse."

The foundation's founders "believe that every young athlete should have the opportunity to chase their dreams, regardless of their financial background. The Tyler Koscinski Memorial Foundation seeks to break down those financial barriers, fostering personal growth, community involvement, and the pursuit of excellence in both sports and life," according to its mission statement.

"The foundation is dedicated to empowering young athletes by providing scholarships to help them afford the essential equipment they need to compete. Additionally, we hope to provide scholarships for higher education down the road, helping athletes further both their academic and athletic journeys."

Kelly Koscinski hopes the nonprofit will both honor her son's memory and inspire other young athletes to keep pushing toward their goals—personal, academic, and athletic.

"He was known for his infectious smile, goofball nature, competitive spirit," she previously said. "He was the heart of every gathering. A leader, on and off the field. A devoted friend, passionate. So loved."