Hundreds turned out at Parkside Lanes in Aurora Sunday afternoon to support a fundraiser for injured U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Kyle Moser.

The event, which consisted of a raffle, auction and plenty of bowling and pizza, was sponsored by Valley Fire Protection Services of Batavia with all proceeds going to Moser’s family. Moser, who is a graduate of Oswego High School, was injured in a November explosion in Afghanistan and lost both legs and part of a hand. The fundraiser in total raised about $25,000.

Diane Lukowski, an extended-aunt of Moser’s, was “blown away” by the event.

“People are so generous,” she said. “I think people are not all that interested in the actual bowling, but being able to come and support Kyle.”

Kyle's mom, Patricia Zander, agreed.

“What an incredible turnout,” she said. “Thanks to all of you, Kyle has so many great opportunities for success in the years to come.”

So many people turned out that the bowling lanes were sold out (270 spots were available) but many stayed to support the family and participate in the raffle and auction.

Moser’s dad, Bob, was equally as grateful and moved by everyone who had come out to support his son.

“I know that some of you have never met Kyle, and I appreciate that so many of you are here to support him," he said. 

Those who came out to support Kyle were able to purchase raffle tickets and bid silent-auction style on many items donated by community members and many corporations. 

The raffle options numbered around 100, with some of the prizes including massages, a signed baseball from the White Sox pitcher Jake Peavy, gym memberships, Kane County Cougars tickets, jewelry, gift cards to local shops and restaurants and more.

The auction items included a wide range of game tickets, from Blackhawks to Cubs and Sox, hotel night stays and gift baskets.

“We’ve worked with the Wounded Warrior Project before,” said Lukowski, as she filled out her information on a string of raffle tickets. “But this event is just for Kyle. I am just so blown away by the support.”

Bob Moser also gave an update on his son’s status.

“He’s doing really good. He’s currently in Bethesda, Maryland recovering from a surgery. He’s not quite home, not in Fox Valley with us yet, but we’ll hopefully get to see him soon.”