About Us & Our Mission |
The 2.8 for Nate Foundation originated as a way to keep Nate's memory alive. As his friends and family, we wanted to create a way for his legacy in East Aurora to continue after his passing. Nate was always very involved at school with sports and jazz band as well as within the community. In May 2021, we hosted the first 2.8 for Nate Walk, not knowing that it would lead to forming a Foundation. The walk was decided to be 2.8 miles, as 28 was Nate's number throughout his sports career in both lacrosse and hockey.
Over $10,000 was raised through our first event, all of which was supposed to go to his family to help ease the cost of medical bills that had accumulated. However, his mother decided that the funds should instead be donated and the Foundation was born. Shortly after, a board was put together including his parents Tess Savini and Larry Ljungberg, his former lacrosse coach Scott Moore, one of his childhood friends Teddy Hanes, and a few other members of the community touched by his story.
After the board was created, the walk became a yearly tradition. The walk was a great way to raise money for various charitable donations and scholarships in Nate's honor, as well as bringing his family and the community together for a day to celebrate Nate's life. Spending the day alongside Nate's family, friends, and community, while raising money towards his foundation has become a tradition that we do not hope to soon part with.
Since that first walk, we have been able to give scholarships yearly to exemplary student athletes at East Aurora High School and make multiple donations to local and national pediatric cancer research and support groups. Funds were also allocated to create memorial benches for Nate at the Classic Rink in East Aurora and at East Aurora High School near the turf field.
Please visit our Past Donations page to see the full list of donations that the organization has made.
Over $10,000 was raised through our first event, all of which was supposed to go to his family to help ease the cost of medical bills that had accumulated. However, his mother decided that the funds should instead be donated and the Foundation was born. Shortly after, a board was put together including his parents Tess Savini and Larry Ljungberg, his former lacrosse coach Scott Moore, one of his childhood friends Teddy Hanes, and a few other members of the community touched by his story.
After the board was created, the walk became a yearly tradition. The walk was a great way to raise money for various charitable donations and scholarships in Nate's honor, as well as bringing his family and the community together for a day to celebrate Nate's life. Spending the day alongside Nate's family, friends, and community, while raising money towards his foundation has become a tradition that we do not hope to soon part with.
Since that first walk, we have been able to give scholarships yearly to exemplary student athletes at East Aurora High School and make multiple donations to local and national pediatric cancer research and support groups. Funds were also allocated to create memorial benches for Nate at the Classic Rink in East Aurora and at East Aurora High School near the turf field.
Please visit our Past Donations page to see the full list of donations that the organization has made.
Board of the 2.8 for Nate Foundation. Pictured from left to right; Joseph Deni, Mitch Pastor, Trisha Ljungberg, Kristen Ljungberg, Tess Savini, Brock Roldan, Tyler Ljungberg, Voula Hatzipetros, Teddy Hanes.
Meet the Team
Teddy Hanes President Nate's Friend |
Tess Savini vice president Nate's Mother |
Tyler Ljungberg treasurer Nate's Brother |
Mitch Pastor secretary Nate's Friend |
Kirsten Ljungberg Co-director of marketing, media and community engagement Nate's Sister |
Voula Hatzipetros Co-director of marketing, media and community engagement Nate's Friend |
Brock Roldan Board member Nate's Friend |
Joe Deni board member Nate's Friend |
Trisha Ljungberg Board Member Nate's Sister |
