Alek Sajewski Memorial Foundation

The Alek Sajewski Memorial Foundation

In memory of Alek’s bright, vibrant, and tragically short life, we are creating the Alek Sajewski Memorial Foundation to carry on his legacy. This foundation will support Alek’s passions for sailing, music, and science.

Alek was just beginning his adult life, yet all of his passions were so strong. Through this memorial foundation, he will continue to inspire and impact lives, carrying on his legacy the way he would have lived his life. While the world is dimmer without Alek, your donation to the Alek Sajewski Memorial Foundation will help to impact sailors, musicians, and scientists, honoring Alek’s memory for years to come.

The Alek Sajewski Memorial Foundation will foster youth sailing education and competitive high school sailing teams -- allowing future sailors to follow Alek’s example in building a love of the sea, sailing, and sportsmanship.

The Alek Sajewski Memorial Foundation will support music education, college marching bands, youth jazz programs, and especially saxophone players, whose jazzy tunes will carry on Alek’s memory and serenade his spirit.

The Alek Sajewski Memorial Foundation will fund outlets to inspire young scientists to pursue their scientific curiosity, particularly amateur astronomers, and foster a love for the final frontier and the great unknown of space.

Alek’s Life

Alek was authentically himself and loved life. He was clever and funny, loving and kind and thoughtful. Alek was a unique intellect with insights that no one else could see. He loved being with people and could connect with anyone -- always willing to lend a helping hand and share a smile. A conversation with Alek was one to remember. Alek had so much potential - he was so passionate and his enthusiasm sparked interest and passion in others. Alek was killed on his way to work in a motor vehicle accident on the morning of September 20th, 2022. His loss is immeasurable.

Sailing: Alek sailed from his very first days on earth. Building on his sailing skills with his genuine and friendly nature, Alek inspired, founded, and captained his high school sailing team all the way to championships up and down the east coast. His love of sailing translated to more than just competitions -- Alek created a team of lifelong friends. Beyond competitive sailing, Alek was also a mentor and instructor -- teaching at youth sailing camps -- and an adventurer, joining family and friends on many sailing voyages. Alek fully lived the adage that “Ships are safe in the harbor but that’s not what ships are made for.”

Music: Alek’s love of music was evident to all who were near him - they could hear it. From starting piano in kindergarten, saxophone in the 4th grade, and creating his own music, Alek was a lifelong musician. He especially loved playing saxophone, performing in many different bands and venues. He was a proud member of the Lehigh Marching 97 (psych!). Stepping onto the field at football games and even at Yankee stadium, Alek’s enthusiasm and spirit shone through in halftime shows as he marched and played his baritone saxophone.

Space: Alek was a dedicated scientist, with a particular interest in physics, astrophysics, and space. He especially loved looking at the stars and planets through his telescope and sharing with those around him -- calling us out into the night to peer through his telescope as he explained what we were seeing and how the universe all worked together. His deep and abiding passion captured the imagination of those around him and inspired us all to consider the wonder and vastness of space.

(Alek's view of the moon through his telescope)

The Alek Sajewski Memorial Foundation will help sustain Alek’s passions, inspiring and supporting young sailors, musicians, and astronomers for years to come. Please consider aiding these efforts by donating here. Thank you for helping to honor Alek's memory.

Most sincerely, the Sajewski Family