A Grafton family wants to keep their son's memory alive by sharing what he loved with the community they love.
Dave and Jan Malkowski are holding their first fundraiser this weekend to raise money for a baseball field in their son's honor.
Matt Malkowski was killed in 2010, his senior year, by a driver whose blood alcohol level was three times the legal limit.
His father says they want to create a lasting memorial for their son, and thought a Little League field was the right thing.
Matt played baseball since he was 7, and eventually played on his Grafton High School team.
"When you lose your child, it's probably the worst thing that can ever happen to you. Then your next fear, is everyone going to forget him. And for me personally, I don't want anyone to forget him," Jan Malkowski said.
The Malkowskis are still touched by the outpouring of support they received during that traumatic time.
"By the time it was all said and done, I sent out 2,200 thank you cards. This was all for my son. I had no idea," Jan said.
Much of that love came from Matt's team. After Matt died, that team went to state for the first time in nearly 30 years.
"That whole team made a huge effort to play their best and play for Matthew. They basically dedicated that year for him," Dave said.
The Malkowskis need $50,000 to build the baseball field for Matt, and dream of what it could become.
Dave envisions "a bunch of little kids, playing the great game of baseball."
"Every time they go, Matt's name will come across their lips. He'll never be forgotten and I'll have reached my goal," Jan said.
Matt had planned to go to college and become a firefighter.
The "Pitch for Matt Memorial Cornhole Tournament" will be held Feb. 25 at Circle B Recreation in Cedarburg.
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