A Moment that Changed Our Lives Foever
How this foundation got its start…
When Tyson passed away on May 26th, 2012 there was a huge heartache for all of us. When it came time to plan memorial service, we decided instead of flowers that would eventually wilt and die, we wanted to give back to Children’s Hospital of Omaha for the great care they gave Tyson throughout his treatment.
It was Tyson’s Grandma, Pam Moninger who came up with an idea. We would ask people to bring Blankets, Toys and Stuffed Animals instead of flowers to his service. Just as they did throughout his entire treatment, family, friends and total strangers filled North American Martyrs Church with support, prayers and donations. The day after his funeral we loaded up 3 SUV’s full of Toys, Blankets, Pillows and Stuffed Animals and headed for Omaha. Once we gave donated all those items to Children’s Hospital and saw the impact it made, we knew what needed to be done.
Although Tyson may have left us physically, his warm heart and giving spirit will live on forever through the Foundation that bears his name. All proceeds raised will go directly to keeping this foundation running strong. It is our mission to help children and families in hospitals everywhere suffering from cancer and disease. We want to put happiness back into children’s hands just like Tyson was able to do!
WHo we ARE
Austin Chambers
Co-Founder / President
Austin is the other founding member of Tyon’s Treasure Chest Foundation and was lucky enought to given the title of “Dad” from Tyson in 2010. In addition to being a full time dad, Austin does all the website design, assists with the stratigic planning and fundraising and tries to make sure the foundation is operating in accordance with all state and federal laws. During the day he works works for Duncan Aviation as a Airframe Serice Sales representive assisting private & corporate aircraft owners and operators.
Liz Chambers
Co-Founder / Chairman
Liz is not only a founder of the Tysons Treasure Chest Foundation, she is Tyson’s Mom. Her passions are her children, photography and art. In addition to Tyson, she is the proud mother to two more boys. Riley, born in 2010 and Kyle, born in 2014. Liz is the driving force behind all the creative designs and social media for the foundation that bears her son’s name. When she is not building chests or being a supermom, she is the proud owner of Tyson’s Studio by Liz where she is a photographer capturing all of lifes special moments.
JP on KX
Director
James or JP as we all know him, is the morning show host of KZKX 96.9 FM’s “JP and Lauren in the morning”. He first met Tyson in 2012 while Tyson was recording a commercial for the community blood bank. JP, like everyone who had the chance to meet Tyson, fell in love with him immediately. JP continues to be a champion for Pediatric Cancer Awareness in our community. In additon to being a key member of our stratigic planning team, He is vital in promoting our annual Golf tournament and servers as media guru.
Danelle Gruber
Director
Danelle has been a close friend of Liz’s since 2007. She first met Tyson when he was 3 years old and remained a close figure in his life. During the day, Danelle works as an independent hair stylist in Lincoln. In addition to serving on our board, Danelle assists with many aspect of fundraising for Tyson’s Treasure Chest. She enjoys spending time with her husband KC and beautiful daughter Avery Ann born in 2016.
Randy Zotti
Director
Randy has donated his time to the foundation since 2017 when he became a member of our board of directors. Randy brings a wealth of experience with him. He works during the day as a Procurment Manager for Tecumseh Poultry. When he is not busy at work or donating his time to further our cause, he enjoys taking in a round of Golf, watching the Huskers play or spending time with this wife and two children.
Emma Sirles
Director
Emma has served on the board of directors since 2017 and brings a great deal of energy and passion to our board. She handles our social media presence for the foundation and is a vital member of our creative planning team. Like her husband Jeremiah, Emma was also a stand out athlete for the University of Nebraska. Emma played goalkeeper on the soccer team from 2010-2013. She is the All-time saves leader for the Lady Huskers and earned many other National honors during her playing career as well.
Jeremiah Sirles
Director
Jeremiah first met Tyson in 2012 during a tour of memoiral stadium. He lifted tyson up to touch the famous horseshoe that starts the tunnel walk and walked his way into our lives forever. A former Offesnsive lineman for Nebraska from 2010-2013, Jeremiah is now a member of the Minnesota Vikings. When he is not playing football Jeremiah dedicates a lot of his free time to brings awareness to Pediatic Cancer. Jeremiah has served on the Board of directors since 2017
What We Do
Our mission is to put happiness back in the hands of children fighting cancer and illness. We achieve this by creating large toy chests shaped like Treasure Chests and fill them with Toys, Blankets, Stuffed Animals and other items. These chests are donated to select hospitals that treat Childhood cancer and disease. All the chests are hand made by Liz and Austin Chambers. They are constructed from solid oak and other hardwoods, stained, and sealed so they will last a lifetime. Each chest is hand carved by Liz to ensure as much love goes into making them as will be received from them.
Why We Do IT
Who was Tyson you may ask?
Well he was one special little boy who captured all our hearts and taught us you get more out of life when you give to others
Tyson Eugene was born on July 19th, 2004. He was a boy who loved Husker football, sports and Jason Aldean. More than his interests, he was a little boy who had a huge heart. Take a photo walk and see just who he was. When your done, stick around for a little video recap of Tyson’s final wish and the community that came together to make it happen.
