Born from heartbreak. Built on hope. 

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We are rooted in one family's story — but we exist for every person who has ever struggled to stay. For every parent, sibling, or friend who’s been left in the after. And for every person who just needs to know they’re not alone. 

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Kevin’s Legacy Foundation is about turning pain into purpose, and silence into community. About reminding each other: your story is not over. 

We are here. We are listening. And we are not stopping. 

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Kevin’s Legacy Foundation’s Story:  

On February 17, 2016, Kevin's story ended far too soon. 

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What followed was a silence so heavy, it begged to be broken — not just with words, but with action. 

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In the wake of unimaginable loss, Kevin’s parents, Connie and Pete Romanowski, could have quietly grieved. But instead, they chose to channel their pain into purpose — to bring forth awareness, create change, and to help fight for every person still finding their way through the darkness. 

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From early conversations about bullying policies at Kevin’s school, to working with student counselors on creating a safe, creative space for kids at the Holmen Area Community Center — the spark that would become Kevin’s Legacy was born. 

And it didn’t stop there. 

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When approached about a local Color Dash inspired by the film To Say Goodbye, the Romanowskis said yes — not knowing this simple step would lead to a movement far greater than they could have imagined.  With the help of close friends, family, and a community that showed up with full hearts, Kevin’s Legacy’s very first color 5K was held in October 2016. 

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That day, Kevin’s Legacy Foundation was born. 

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Through determination and heartbreak, KLF became its own nonprofit organization. Despite setbacks and missteps— the mission never wavered. Kevin’s Legacy has been built not just from the strength of one family — but from a dedicated board of volunteers who carry their own experiences with mental health and suicide. Every board member brings passion, perspective, and personal connection to this mission. There are no paid positions. Just people, showing up for what matters. 

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Even with this strong foundation, the heart of Kevin’s Legacy beats because of the community that surrounds it. From the volunteers who bring our events to life, to the families who walk in memory, to the kids who find comfort in the Art Room — this organization is a reflection of what happens when a community comes together and says, we will not let each other go unheard. 

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Today, Kevin’s Legacy Foundation is proud to: 

• Support and maintain the Art Room at the Holmen Boys & Girls Club — a space created in Kevin’s honor where creativity can become a lifeline. 

• Host annual Color Runs and 5Ks to raise awareness, bring our community together, and honor those we’ve lost. 

• Provide a $25,000 scholarship fund to help those going into the mental health field provide hope and purpose to others.  

• Contribute to and collaborate with other mental health and suicide prevention organizations that align with our mission of support, awareness, and prevention. 

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We are rooted in one family's story — but we exist for every person who has ever struggled to stay. For every parent, sibling, or friend who’s been left in the after. And for every person who just needs to know, they’re not alone. 

​

Kevin’s Legacy Foundation is about turning pain into purpose, and silence into community. About reminding each other: your story is not over. 

​

We are here. We are listening. And we are not stopping.