Two Black River Falls teenagers are raising money to memorialize one of their own.

Both Bronson Stein and Mason Wall have a personal connection to domestic violence issues. When Stein was four, his mother started working for the Bolton Refuge House in Black River Falls, a safe house for domestic violence victims. Stein says, “Ya know, in those stages of development when your a child ya know, you realize what’s wrong and what’s bad, and from the get-go I had domestic violence was really bad, and it was something my mom was trying to stop.”

For Wall, his uncle was shot and killed by his ex-girlfriend -- a death that has shaped Wall throughout his early life. He says, “I guess it affects me because I never actually got to meet him and that's always bothered me, that I haven't gotten to know who he was.”

So last fall both students embarked on a service learning project through FCCLA -- or Family Career and Community Leaders of America, to raise awareness about domestic violence.

And then on November 15, Alisha Sidie's death changed their peaceful world. Wall says, “It hit us really hard, that wow -- that could happen in our own community, because a lot of people don’t' think about that until something bad actually happens.”

And it spurred the two teens on. Stein says, “Mason and I figured if we could stop domestic violence early enough, working in our student body, that we could maybe prevent further homicides from happening.”

Since then Stein and Wall have dedicated themselves to raising money to build a playground for the Bolton Refuge House in Merrillan, in honor of Alisha Sidie. Her ex-husband is awaiting his murder trial, accused of shooting her.

Wall says, “Well I think Alisha deserves that, and I think a playground is a good thing for all the young children that have been through domestic abuse.”

So far the teens have raised $330, by selling buttons and bracelets at school, and they have plans for more fundraisers in the future.

Dena Quinn is a Victims Advocate for the Bolton Refuge House and has spoken at the Black River Falls High School, she says she's been humbled by the respect she's gotten there. She says, “I think its wonderful to memorialize Alisha in such a way that's going to make such a big impact on so many children and families for many, many years to come.”

The Bolton House plans to hold another fundraiser for the playground this June.

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence you can call the Crisis Hotline at 1-800-252-4357. There is an advocate on call 24/7.