Dakota’s LegacyThe Dakota Welch Memorial Fund
The Dakota Welch Memorial Fund

A Life Worth Celebrating.A Community Worth Giving Back To.

Dakota’s Legacy honors the energy, kindness, and spirit he brought to everyone around him.

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About Dakota

A Person Who Filled Every Room

Dakota had a way of making people feel at home. Regardless of if it was on a soccer field, in a classroom, or just hanging out with friends and family. He showed up fully, cared genuinely, and left a mark on every person lucky enough to know him.

He was a son, a brother, a teammate, and a friend. He grew up right here in Morris, Illinois, attended Saratoga School, and carried the kind of spirit that is hard to describe but impossible to forget.

This fund was created because the people who loved him wanted to do something with that loss, not just mourn it, but channel it into something lasting. Something that sounds like him: generous, active, and rooted in community.

“He made every moment feel worth showing up for.”
Dakota Welch
Alwaysremembered, forever part of this community
Our Mission

Turning Remembrance Into Action

The Dakota Welch Memorial Fund exists to take the love people have for Dakota and turn it into something tangible — real support, real opportunities, and real moments for the community he called home.

Honoring His Memory

Everything we do is grounded in who Dakota was and how he lived his life. Dakota lived with a deep passion, generosity, kindness, and connection to the people around him. His memory is the heart of everything.

Community Events

We bring people together through meaningful, fun events, all while giving families and friends a chance to celebrate, connect, and carry his spirit forward.

Youth Opportunity

From scholarships to reduced-cost programs, we work to open doors for young people in the community, because Dakota believed in giving everyone a fair shot.

Rooted in The Morris Community

We are local. We give local. Every dollar raised is invested right back into the schools, programs, and organizations that shaped who Dakota was.

“Dakota was a special kid and an amazing person. We do this in part to remember and in part to give back and carry his legacy forward.”

— Dakota’s Family

Events

Celebrate. Connect. Give Back.

Our events are about more than fundraising. They’re about bringing people together to laugh, compete, share stories, and keep Dakota’s presence alive in the community.

Coming Soon

Family Day at Saratoga

Saratoga School, Morris, IL

A community celebration at the school where it all started. Family Day at Saratoga is designed to bring together friends, families, neighbors, and everyone who knew Dakota — or who simply wants to be part of something good.

  • Cooking classes for kids and families
  • Escape room challenges
  • Bouncy houses and carnival-style games
  • Food, fun, and a chance to connect

All proceeds from event activities will go directly into the fund to support scholarships and community programs.

In Discussion

3v3 Soccer Tournament

Morris Area, IL

Soccer was a big part of Dakota's life. A 3v3 tournament in his honor would bring players, families, and fans together for a day of competition, community, and fun — right in the spirit of how he played the game.

  • Open 3v3 tournament format
  • Youth and adult divisions
  • A competitive but celebratory atmosphere
  • Fundraising for the memorial fund

Details are still being finalized. If you'd like to help organize or sponsor this event, we'd love to hear from you.

More events are being planned.

Follow along and get involved as we build out the calendar.

Get Involved
Community Support

Investing in the Next Generation

The programs and initiatives below represent our vision for how the fund will give back. Some are confirmed, some are still being shaped — all of them are grounded in the belief that every kid deserves a fair shot at what this community has to offer.

Planned

GAVC Nursing Stipend

A financial stipend to help high school students cover the costs of the nursing program at the Greater Grundy Area Vocational Center — removing barriers for young people pursuing a career in healthcare.

Planned

Graduating Student Scholarship

An annual scholarship for a graduating high school student in the area — awarded to someone who embodies the community spirit, drive, and heart that Dakota represented.

In Discussion

Morris Soccer Association Support

Partial funding to help offset costs for families participating in the Morris Soccer Association — keeping the sport Dakota loved accessible to every kid who wants to play.

In Discussion

Ski Club Support

Helping reduce participation costs for the school ski club, so that more kids can take part in an experience that builds confidence, camaraderie, and a love of the outdoors.

Open

Future Opportunities

As the fund grows, so will our reach. We are open to supporting additional programs and opportunities that align with Dakota's values and the needs of this community.

The specific programs above are being actively developed by the fund’s organizing team. Final details, amounts, and eligibility criteria will be published as they are confirmed.

Get Involved

Be Part of Something Lasting

Dakota’s legacy doesn’t belong to one person — it belongs to everyone he touched. There are many ways to show up, and all of them matter.

Volunteer at Events

Help run Family Day, the soccer tournament, and future events. We need people for setup, activities, food, registration, and everything in between.

Sign Up to Volunteer

Join the Board or Committee

We are building an organizing committee and future board to guide the fund. If you knew Dakota and want to help shape its direction, we want to hear from you.

Get in Touch

Sponsor an Event

Local businesses and individuals can sponsor events or specific programs. Your support directly funds scholarships and community opportunities in Dakota's name.

Become a Sponsor

Donate

Every contribution — large or small — helps the fund grow and do more. Your donation supports scholarships, reduced-cost programs, and future community events.

Donate Now

Questions? Reach out directly at dakotaslegacyfund@gmail.com