As part of our 25th year as a Foundation, we are excited to feature 25 different individuals. They have been involved with the Foundation in some way, whether he or she was as scholarship recipient, sponsor, school counselor or family we work with, each has a unique story.
We hope you enjoy hearing from these special individuals... we are thankful they are willing to share their story with you.
When we met Ben Fischl at the age of 18, we knew he had a great compassion for others and life in general. We have watched him grow even more passionate and more determined to make a difference.
We think you will feel and see what we mean here...
Reunited with the nurse on duty during Brian's delivery!
Thank you for sharing the story Todd McMahon of Green Bay Press-Gazette!
Marion Skelton knows precisely where she was at 9:34 the night of Jan. 23, 1977, a Sunday.
The now-retired nurse was in a delivery room at Bellin Hospital as Renee LaViolette gave birth to a boy. Renee and husband Doug’s first child weighed in at 7 pounds, 13 ounces and stretched 20 ½ inches.
“I welcomed him into the world,” Skelton said.
Still living in Green Bay, a gracious Skelton reunited with Doug and Renee at Bellin College in Bellevue. That’s where a kickoff announcement for 25th anniversary activities for the Brian LaViolette Scholarship Foundation happened Thursday.
For all of the warm-and-fuzzy chatter that ensued about the foundation and its tremendous outreach for advancing the education of students and service members in the U.S. as well as overseas, something important was missing. Make that, somebody important.
“One life born here in Green Bay at Bellin Hospital, lost way too young, has had such a tremendous impact on his community,” said George Kerwin, the longtime president and CEO of Bellin Health.
Doug and Renee LaViolette will never forget where they were the afternoon of Aug. 8, 1992, which was a Saturday.
Instead of getting ready to drive from their De Pere home to Lambeau Field to attend the Green Bay Packers’ first preseason game of the summer with friends, the LaViolettes were whisked away by airplane to Door County. Their one and only son died that day, drowning in the bay of Green Bay near Chambers Island.
Brian LaViolette had decided to spend the day there with three friends, turning down a night out with his parents and younger sister, Kim, at the Packers game.
“He made the decision to go swimming,” Doug recalled. “At that time, he said, ‘Dad, why would I want to go watch the Packers lose?’”
Though just an exhibition game, the Packers prevailed that night, 21-13 over the Kansas City Chiefs. It was Green Bay’s only win in four preseason games, but the 1992 season turned the tide for a previously dormant franchise with the debut of quarterback Brett Favre.
“When we flew back from Door County (the night of the 8th), the lights were still lit at Lambeau. That was really hard,” Doug LaViolette said.
One of many endearing clips in a video montage produced a few years ago to bring to life an autobiography Brian had written for a class project shows him wearing a Packers helmet and No. 17 jersey (for quarterback David Whitehurst) as he played outside with his sister.
Brian’s flair for the written word included this insightful entry in his autobiography:
“Tell you what I want out of life — I would like to go into either advertising or sales. I’m sure that I would like both of them. To get those kind of jobs, I would need at least a college degree, which I plan to get. Above everything else, though, I want to be happy. If that means jumping out of a plane when I’m 80 years old, so be it. What’s life without happiness?”
A life cut far short of college, a career, having a family and getting adventurous in retirement has been no less fruitful, however.
Established just a week after his death, the Brian LaViolette Scholarship Foundation has affected hundreds of lives during the past quarter century.
The foundation has awarded more than 725 scholarships worth more than $600,000 to high school seniors going to college, those enlisting in the military and even students who are living in Poland, South Africa and the Czech Republic. Many of those scholarships have been made to honor the memories of others, not just Brian.
“It’s truly inspiring witnessing all of the good Brian’s family puts into the world,” said Emma Jeschke, a Bellin College nursing student from Iowa who received a LaViolette scholarship last year.
Doug, Renee and Kim as well as others involved with the foundation are laying the groundwork for many more years of giving. They are planning a big event Aug. 8 on the 25th anniversary of Brian’s passing, fittingly in the shadow of Lambeau Field.
“We just thought it would be kind of serendipitous to go back to Lambeau, in that area,” Doug said. “We’re just really honored to carry this story forward.”
tmcmaho2@gannett.com and follow him on Twitter @ToddMcMahon23.
25 years, 25 story initiative
Brian is just one of the tens of thousands brought into this world at Bellin. Imagine the impact each person has had in this world. In Brian's case, lives continue to be inspired across the globe... from the nurse in the delivery room, to the latest scholarship recipient.
You too, are making a difference. Please take a moment to watch the latest news coverage from yesterday. Other videos are featured at the links below.
Thank you so much to Bellin Health, George Kerwin, Vicki Parmentier, Emma Jeschke, NBC 26, WBAY-TV 2, WFRV-TV 5, WLUK-FOX 11, the Press Gazette, and Adrian Dean of the Community Magazine.
Yesterday, we also unveiled our '25 Years, 25 Stories' initiative, detailing how one life can truly make a difference in the lives of thousands.
This year we will be highlighting past scholarship recipients, the families we work with who have scholarships in honor of their loved ones, donors and other supporters. Please let us know if you know of someone or would like to be featured. This journey would not be the same without you.
15 Years of Living transformed into 25 Years of Giving...and Counting
The Brian LaViolette Scholarship Foundation, along with Bellin Health are celebrating an inspiration milestone in Northeast Wisconsin. For 25 years, the Foundation named after Brian LaViolette has been living Brian's message, "The Journey is the Reward"
Bellin Health is special to the LaViolette Foundation as that is where Brian was born 40 years ago on January 23, 1977. And while tragedy cut his life short at the age of 15, his spirit continues to impact the lives of so many.
Doug LaViolette, with Brian at one week old
A short news conference and multimedia presentation will be held at Bellin College, 3201 Eaton Road, Green Bay on Thursday, January 26th at 10:00 am. It will kick off the Brian LaViolette 25th Year Celebration and unveil our '25 Years, 25 Stories' initiative, detailing how one life can truly make a difference in the lives of thousands.
Brian is just one of the thousands brought into this world at Bellin. Image the impact each person has had on this world. In Brian's case, lives have been touched all around the globe. Join us to see how so many--from the nurse in the delivery room, to the latest scholarship recipient--continue to play a part in this incredible journey of rewarding others.
Featured Presenters:
George Kerwin, President of Bellin Health
Vicki Parmentier, Brian LaViolette Foundation Advisory Board Member and Scholarship Sponsor
Emma Jeschke, 2016 Bellin College Scholarship Recipient
Special announcement to be made regarding event on August 8th near Lambeau Field.
Interviews with event speakers and Brian's parents, Doug and Renee LaViolette, will be available following the presentation, along with b-roll opportunities.
Visit with Board Member Randy Sutton
Doug and Renee LaViolette had a visit with advisory board member, Randy Sutton who lives in Las Vegas.
Randy is very involved with Blues Lives Matter, an organization that seeks to honor and recognize the actions of law enforcement, strengthen public support and provide much-needed resources to law enforcement officers and their families.
From DePere Wisconsin to Rome Italy.
This year will be the 25th year as a Foundation. It is hard to know what to say... are we celebrating this milestone since it is because of Brian's death that we created the foundation?
The Brian LaViolette Foundation has grown over the last 24 years and I feel one of the many blessings during this time is the number of people who have remained in our lives since the beginning of the Foundation's 'Journey'.
Austin Rios and Brian quickly became good friends in the 8th grade. Today, the Rios family and ours continue to be in each others lives. Austin received the Brian LaViolette Scholarship in 1995 from DePere High School and now lives in Rome Italy as an Episcopal priest.
Please take a few minutes to learn more about Austin's journey and his memories of Brian.
We will continue to embrace and celebrate those who started this journey with us and those we have met along the way.
You are all a part of something big. Together, we can continue to inspire and support hundreds of people across the world and in the communities we live.
The LaViolette's recently had a lovely visit with Kim and Brian's first grade teacher, Mrs. Zimmerman. She is also the sponsor of the Ray Zimmerman Scholarship at Green Bay West and a scholarship in South Africa.
Thank You!
2016 has been another memorable for Brian's Foundation and all who are involved. Thank you for changing the lives of so many!
"Knowing that the foundation has faith in me gives me confidence that I can live out Brian's message in my own life, and no monetary value can be placed on that encouragement."
Eric Hess, 2016 Brian LaViolette Scholarship recipient from Bay Port High School
"This scholarship allows me to take a step closer to fulfilling my dreams of becoming a nurse. I want to make a difference in families lives and overall in our community. Thank you for this opportunity. "
Mariah Jacobs, 2016 Jesse Thiry Scholarship of Honor recipient
"This award means many things to me but above them all, it means honor."
Michael D Chanda,Thomas Hudner Scholarship of Honor recipient, Fox Valley Composite Squadron
To hear from others that you helped inspirethis year, please click here
2007 scholarship recipient is saving lives!
"I can't think of any better career than to provide emergency services for the community. I hope that through choosing this for a career, somehow I can make a difference in somebody's life, and also make the world a better place to live."
Zach Sites shared this in his scholarship application for the Eric McColley Scholarship of Honor at Gettysburg High School. He received the inaugural scholarship in 2007 and we are proud to say that he truly is making the world a better place.
Zach shares a unique story and the impact Brian's has had on him in the video below.
You are all a part of something big! Because of your support, individuals like Zach are out in his community SAVING LIVES! Thank you.
To learn more on how you can contribute to help others achieve their dreams, please click here.
SUPPORT BRIAN'S FOUNDATION EVERY TIME YOU SHOP ON AMAZON
Did you know that you can support Brian's Foundation any time you shop on Amazon?!
AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way to support Brian's Foundation at no cost to you. Click on link below or add the Foundation during your first visit to Amazon Smile. smile.amazon.com/ch/39-1836591
A powerful message
"My name is Emma Jeschke and I am a nursing student at Bellin College. I recently received the Brian LaViolette Scholarship and I would like to extend my deepest gratitude.
Emma with Doug and Renee LaViolette in the photo booth at the scholarship award reception
I was moved, not only by all the good you've helped put into the world, but also by Brian himself. His motto, 'The Journey is the Reward," carries a very powerful message and is an immense inspiration to me as I work through nursing school.
Life's journeys teach us so much more than we recognize. Life is such a precious gift and unfortunately, not always guaranteed. For this reason, we need to love fully in the present, be compassionate and empathetic towards others and never take a moment for granted.
I feel blessed beyond compare to have received such a generous gift. Your generosity is a light during dark times, and I truly appreciate the effort everyone at the Brian LaViolette Scholarship Foundation makes to positively impact the community. Bellin College is lucky to have such compassionate friends."
Emma Jeschke, Bellin College Student Nurse
Lifetime Achievement Award
Foundation Board of Director, Darrel Burnett has received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the University of Illinois. The recipient is selected by a national University of Illinois panel based on the accomplishments and character of the individual. Alumni may not apply for or campaign for this award as it can only be received by being selected.
“I was very humbled, and frankly shocked, to receive the University of Illinois Alumni Achievement Award. I was totally unaware that I was under consideration until I was contacted by the Vice Chancellor informing me that I had been selected. Upon learning of this honor I elected to draw attention to the wonderful teachers and mentors who truly deserved this award.
During the course of my remarks at the Gala, I stated that I am most proud of what we have accomplished in Brian’s name through the Brian LaViolette Foundation. The response regarding the great work of Brian’s Foundation has been heartwarming and inspires me to continue the great works we started 24 years ago. The applause Renee and Doug received that evening as I acknowledged them will stay with me for the rest of my life and made me proud to be associated with such a wonderful cause.”
Darrel graduated from the University of Illinois in 1978 had a long-standing career in broadcasting before successfully spearheading and operating many business ventures. He currently is CEO of KSI International.
Darrel is pictured here with his wife, Kelly; mother Dorothy' and sons Michael and Jeffrey
Congratulations Darrel! You deserve it.
A smile that won't be forgotten, by Kim LaViolette
Paul Zimmerman was truly a memorable man. He passed away earlier this month and I felt sad for the loss in this world and also grateful to have known his laugh and his strength.
Paul was a kind soul and an inspiration to all those he met, including us. I have known the Zimmerman's for a long time, seeing that Paul's wife; Gloria was my 1st grade teacher.
Mrs. Zimmerman remained one of my favorite teachers... and still is to this day. I feel blessed to be able to say that we are still connected and we have the joy of working together to present the Ray Zimmerman Scholarship at Green Bay West High School and the South African Scholarship. Both created and sponsored by Paul and Gloria through Brian's Foundation.
One time they said, "Kim, the student has become the teacher and the teacher the student!" That made me smile, as they will always be teachers to me.
Through the years, we have had visits with each other, where I learned more about Paul and Gloria's travels, how they met, their connections with family and friends and about the years they spent teaching. After our last visit, I felt inspired by all they have done in their lives and their love for each other.
Paul will continue to be an inspiration through the scholarships they sponsor and through all he has done for others throughout his life. You can find more details on Paul's life here.
Board member, George Patton Waters on freedom and the Brian LaViolette Foundation
Thank you from across the globe
One of the many joys of working for Brian's Foundation is connecting with many around the world. It is a chance to not only financially support students in areas that need it most, but to also break down walls that may separate us and join together to share our common bonds and dreams of a better future.
Renata Bruzdziak is from a small village in Poland and she shares the importance of the scholarships Brian's Foundation provides, along with a little more about her life in Poland.
Thank you for touching the lives of many across the globe!
Welcome Larry Lucier to our Advisory Board!
We are proud to announce Larry Lucier has joined our team as an advisory board member! Brian's Foundation has been dear to Larry's heart and he has been a friend of our family for going on 40 years.
To quote Larry,
"I'm very honored to be asked to help with the future direction of The Journey. The growth and expansion of the Foundation over the past twenty-four years has been simply phenomenal, due to the incredible dedication of the LaViolette family and many generous supporters.
The scholarship recipients have crossed many borders throughout the world. Who would have imagined? While Doug and Renee will continue to be the driving spirit of Brian's Foundation, Kimberly LaViolette will assume an even more prominent leadership position in the years ahead. It will be challenging, yet exciting, to assist in drawing the next roadmap of The Journey."
Larry Lucier is President and CEO of Green Bay Seven-Up Bottling Company. Raised in Green Bay and married to Jeanne Lucier, they are proud parents of two children, Alex, Green Bay and Claudine, Austin, Texas. He is a graduate from St. Norbert College, earning a degree in business.
Larry is a long-time parishioner of Resurrection Church and a twenty-five year member of the Allouez Optimist Club. He has served as President of the Seven-up Bottler's Association and on the board of the Wisconsin Soft Drink Association. He has also served as an advisory board member of the YMCA and Wells Fargo Bank. He continues to be active at St. Patrick's Food Pantry.
To relax, Larry's hobbies include international travel, reading, golf, biking, movies, and playing bridge.
Can you believe that 767 students have received scholarships through Brian's Foundation? You are part of something BIG!
The first scholarship recipient, Todd Simonis is now a minister in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.
The 297th scholarship recipient, Zach Sites is an EMT in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
The 461th scholarship recipient, Andisani Tsengiwe, did his schooling in South Africa.
The 603rd scholarship recipient, Renata Bruzdziak graduated from the University of Warsaw in Poland this past year.
And the 706th scholarship recipient, Donglin Zhang is...
If you are a past scholarship recipient, we'd love to know where you are now... please drop us a quick email to let us know!
You can now find the Foundation on Twitter!
Follow us at @bdlfoundation
Thank you to Board member, Jen Mulhall for being our Twitter master!
2016 Brian LaViolette Scholarship Recipient!
We had a 'Publishers Clearing House' moment last week. Let me fill you in...
We surprised the 2016 Brian LaViolette Scholarship recipient, Eric Hess of Bay Port High School. This scholarship award is $10,000 and will go to towards Eric's education at the University of Minnesota where he will study biomedical research.
In the Partners in Education school district there were 3600 Seniors in the class of 2016. One was selected to receive Brian's Scholarship.
Through the administrative help of Partners in Education, one student from the 17 schools in the Green Bay district is asked to apply. The committee narrows it down to 5 and our family, along with Ashley of Partners in Education interview the finalists.
Our surprise happened to be during Eric's choir class.
They even sang us a song!
This was the crew that was a part of the surprise. Bay Port High School's counselors, superintendent, principal and our family. Fun!
We heard from Eric after the surprise...
"Although it is true that the scholarship is certainly rewarding financially, I have to say that I am much more honored by the fact that a family such as yours, which has seen so many possible candidates for scholarships, selected me out of the crowd of many.
I am still in a little bit of shock over it, because yes, like anyone else, it is easy to doubt myself, but knowing that the foundation has faith in me gives me confidence that I can live out Brian's message in my own life, and no monetary value can be placed on that encouragement."
Congratulations Eric, we look forward to following your Journey!
