Family of man killed in New York City elevator accident raising money for basketball program in his honor
FOX POINT, WI (CBS 58) -- The family of a Wisconsin native killed when an elevator malfunctioned in New York City is raising money to start a basketball program in his honor.
"It was really my oldest son’s idea to try to bring some meaning, some goodness to Sam’s death," said Charles Waisbren, Sam's father.
The idea for the program is inspired by a team Charles Waisbren started when Sam was nine.
"A patient of mine was the executive director at Northcott Community Center and I asked him whether we could have gym time and form a team," said Waisbren, "So I brought Sam to the City of Milwaukee, hundreds of kids there and we started a fifth grade basketball team."
For the next seven years, Sam and his teammates played in tournaments around the state.
"Through the team, Sam developed lasting meaningful friendships with children from the north side of Milwaukee with whom he otherwise would not have crossed paths. He often reflected on how important this experience was in his development and outlook on the world," says part of the post on the Go Fund Me Page.
So far, the fundraising page has raised nearly $70,000.
"It’s been absolutely overwhelming and frankly, it has to do with Sam," said Waisbren, "Everyone loved Sam, ya know, he was so kind and carefree and humorous, it's really a testament to him."
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