Loved ones to hold fundraiser to keep memory of fallen St. Joe's student alive
MEDIA, Pa. (CBS) -- It's been more than five years since a Saint Joseph's University student was killed in a tragic accident in Bermuda.
Family and friends of Mark Dombroski are working to keep his memory alive as they hold a fundraiser Tuesday night in his honor.
Not a day goes by that Lisa Dombroski doesn't think about her son, Mark. The 19-year-old was a student at Saint Joe's.
"He was a real big thumbs-up guy. So, he would just try to lift your mood and be there for you," Lisa said.
Mark was a gifted athlete, who excelled in many sports.
In March 2018, he was in Bermuda for an international rugby tournament when he went missing from outside a bar.
"The search went on for over 24 hours until, ultimately, he was found the next day," his mother said.
Mark was killed in a 35-foot fall from a cliff.
"It was so sad, so unbelievable that this bright light in our world could be gone," Lisa.
Amid her grief, Lisa created a foundation in her son's memory.
On Tuesday from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., the organization is holding a fundraiser at Rita's in Media, where Mark used to work. A portion of the money raised will be used to build a playground on a grassy plot of land next to the Middletown Township Library.
"Even for young children -- there's a lot of stress and worrisome things in our world today -- and if this playground and Mark's happy spirit can help brighten their day, lighten their mood, help them to continue in a positive way, that will make us really happy," Lisa said.
Lisa is hoping to raise a few thousand dollars.
Jennifer Maull, the director of Parks and Rec, said the project costs about $2 million.
"There's a merry-go-round for them to go on, that their wheelchair can go right into," Maull said. "So, it's a fully accessible playground. We really wanted this to be special and accessible to all children so that they could all enjoy it."
It will be called the "Mark Dombroski Memorial Playground," or "Mark's Park" and serve as a tribute to a kind young man who always wanted others to be happy.