The loved ones of a boy from Roslyn whose life ended too soon raised money in his honor with a baseball tournament in Queens.
Baseball took an extra special meaning when players from 19 teams played with the purpose of keeping the memory of Ethan Falkowitz alive.
Family friend Derick Wilson organized a two-day baseball tournament to raise money for causes close to Ethan’s heart.
“The goal is to raise money for Ethan's foundations along with [Mothers Against Drunk Driving] and to bring awareness to drunk driving and the dangers that it plays in our society,” he said.
Neil Nissen, Ethan’s uncle, says his family is overwhelmed by how the community is honoring Ethan.
“My nephew was just a remarkable kid. He loved doing extraordinary things, loved being with friends and just cared about people,” says Nissen. “There's no words or anything we can do that would give justice to who he was as a person. So the best we can do is remember him, do things that he would want us to do."
Marc Nissen, Falkowitz cousin, played catcher and wore the late teen’s jersey in his honor.
“He wore this on his back when he played basketball, so I was just trying to do as much as I can to remember him and…play for him,” he said.
Falkowitz’s family and friends believe he would be proud of the gathering and the show of unity.
“I know he would be so grateful for this. He would do the same thing for anybody else, so that's why we're doing it for him,” said Nissen.
Organizers say portions of the money raised will also help fund scholarships in Ethan’s memory.