25 years, 25 accomplishments

It is hard to single out 25 accomplishments over our 25 years as a Foundation, but wanted to share some highlights as of 2017

1. Building on the $21,000 we received at Brian's funeral, we successfully became a 501c3 Foundation, awarding our first Brian LaViolette Scholarship at DePere High School in 1993.

2. Creating "The Journey is the Reward Collection" - a series of inspirational prints and Green Bay Packers Hats embroidered with the Packer's NFL emblem.

3. Expanding from one scholarship to eight in 1997. 

4. Partnering with Scholarships Inc. to award the Distinguished Student Awards in Brown and Door County, WI. We presented 26 scholarships in 1999!

5. That same year, on 9.9.99, we held our first Celebrity Autograph Auction, including a Mercedes Benz raffle.

6. Publishing "The Journey is the Reward" book, co-authored by Karoyn Gazella.

7. Having a successful "Journey to the Stars" event with Henry Winkler.. yes, the 'Fonz'.

8. Creating the Scholarship of Honor Program in 2003 to honor our military heroes.

9. Expanding worldwide to Poland, eventually awarding 7 annual scholarships there.

10. Hiring the Foundation's first and only full-time employee in 2006, Brian's Sister, Kim.

11. Spearheading the national 2007 Medal of Honor Convention in Green Bay, WI, involving the entire community and nation in 26 memorable events.

12. Expanding 'headquarters' to another rent-free location in North Carolina.

13. Establishing a scholarship in South Africa.

14. Being granted a Public Charity Foundation designation.

15. Trademarking "The Journey is the Reward".

16. Having part of our website in the Czech language after the General George Patton Scholarship was established in Pilsen, Czech Republic.

17. Honoring and remembering 39 others, in addition to Brian, with scholarships in their names.

18. Celebrating 'What's Right with America' on 11.11.11 inspiring a worldwide audience and awarding the first Brian LaViolette Spirit Awards.

19. 2012 marks the year that we will grow and award scholarships in 13 states and 3 foreign countries.

20. 2012 marks the year that we presented our 500th scholarship. By the end of 2012, we awarded 534 scholarships to date!

21. Having a very special documentary created, 'Return to Pilsen' highlighting our scholarship in the Czech Republic, which has been shared worldwide.

22. Now assisting 50 students a year!

23. Officially becoming a public charity (vs. private foundation)

24. Over $600,000 in scholarships as of 2016.

25. Celebrating Our 25 year Journey... A Promise Made, A Promise Kept on August 8th, 25 years to the day Brian was lost.  This evening event at Lambeau Field highlighted the Foundation's work over the past 25 years and all the people who has made it possible. 

We look forward to 25 more!