'Do a lot of good': Brookfield plane crash victim's legacy lives on through charitable acts, donations

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A new bench in loving memory of a Brookfield teen now sits along Milwaukee's lakefront.

Daniel Perelman, 18, was tragically killed in a plane crash in Wauwatosa in May.

Colleagues of his mother, Ana Perelman, at Froedtert Urgent Care, donated the bench in Veteran's Park, ensuring the Perelman family will always have a beautiful place to remember Daniel by. 

"The day that we came, it was as beautiful a day as today, blue sky, and as we sat down... a plane was approaching for landing," Benny Perelman, Daniel's father, said about his first time seeing the bench. "It's like so symbolic."

Now, others who walk by or stop and sit awhile can look on at the plaques to learn more about who Daniel was, too.

"Each one is kind of going to give you a look into what his life was about and what he was trying to do," Lola Perelman, Daniel's sister, said.

Daniel's family is picking up right where he left off. 

They created a charity organization called Daniel Gives Back, hosting blood drives, funding scholarships and supporting chess.

The organization has saved more than 200 lives through blood donation since July.

Fulfilling Daniel's legacy is helping the family tolerate the pain of living without him.

"It helps us, really selfishly, you know go day by day, but also very fulfilling to see how much good was already generated by those activities," Benny Perelman said.

The reminder to do good is ever more prevalent over the holiday season.

"We always say it's the happiest season for all, but it's actually not. There are a lot of people around who are sad and broken and grieving. I just want to ask people to be sensitive and do a lot of good," Ana Perelman said. "That's how Daniel was and that's how he'd want us to live our lives."

Daniel Gives Back is hosting opportunities to do good, including two upcoming blood drives:

Daniel Gives Back Blood Drive
December 22, 2022
Brookfield Academy Freedom Hall (Middle School Building), South Gym
3460 N. Brookfield Rd., Brookfield

Brookfield East Blood Drive
January 4, 2023
Brookfield East High School (Fieldhouse)
3305 Lilly Rd, Brookfield

You can register here. Walk-ins are also accepted.