News from the Brian LaViolette Foundation
Seven NFL greats and the former president of the Pro Football Hall of Fame donated their watches…All of the watches tell a story and all of them so unique!
All of them are up for auction on November 30th through Rago/Wright with all proceeds going to Brian’s Foundation.
The Once Upon a Time Watch Auction will take place on November 30th, 2022 through Rago/Wright in Chicago. Online bidding starts on November 12th.
We have some incredible watches that will be auctioned off with 100% of proceeds going to Brian's Foundation. It has been quite an amazing process and we can't wait to share more details with you.
First of all, check out these donors! You can also click here to see more details about each watch by clicking on the donor's photo on our website.
There is also going to be a Watch Auction viewing party at the Automobile Gallery the day of the auction.
Stay tuned for more details on that!
Evan Krznarich, Isaiah Hunt Scholarship of Honor recipient from Bay Port High School. Evan is pursuing a career as a Firefighter Paramedic through NWTC .
Brian's Foundation continues to award scholarships in 17 states and 3 foreign countries. We did not do this alone. The school guidance offices, sponsors, selection committees and presenters go above and beyond to make this a life-changing experience for each and every recipient.
On behalf of the following 55 scholarship recipients, their families and the communities we serve, thank you. We think the 2022 recipients say it best and you can hear from them on our website here.
Above and Beyond Scholarship (2): Oconto High School- Recipients, Maggie Sohrweide and McKenna Seidl
Ron Anderson Scholarship: Suring High School- Chantelle Van Den Elzen
Matt Atkinson Scholarship: Green Bay East High School, WI-Amaia Lawrence
Bellin College Scholarship- Green Bay, WI- Madelyn Koenig
Ollie and Helen Bogsted Scholarship: Suring High School, WI- Carley Gennesse
Rachel Bosveld Scholarship: Waupun High School, WI- Mackenzie Grams
John Bradley: Appleton West High School, WI-Aaliyah Xiong
Andrew Brownfield: North High School, Akron OH- Jessica Causey
Mike Colalillo: Denfeld High School, MN- Elliana Jouppi
Jessica Causey is studying Biology and pursing a degree in Pre-Med at Akron University. She received the 2022 Andrew Brownfield Scholarship of Honor.
James Cathey: Reno High School, NV- Chloe Bonnenfant
Esther Cleveland: Oconto High School, WI- Maggie Sohrweide
Danny Dietz: Heritage High School, Littleton, CO- Abigail Lux
Ben Edinger: Green Bay West High School, WI- Dylan Gerou
Wendell and Shanna Ellsworth (2 scholarships): Belding High School, MI-Matthew Massman and Brenden Niemiec
Nichole Frye: Lena High School, WI- Samara VanArk
Robert Foley: United States Military Academy, West Point NY- Ily Park
Riley Garbe: Freedom High School, WI- Grace Hambel
Sal Giunta: JFK High School, Cedar Rapid, IA- Brian Stubblefield
Joel Gentz: Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN- Mitchell Vannoy
David Hatfield: Tunstall High School, Dry Fork VA- Amy Manzano
Kyle Hemauer: Chilton High School, WI- Sofia Billmann
Ken Hess: AC Reynolds High School, Asheville, NC- Sydney Thayer
Ily Park received the LTG Robert Foley Scholarship of Honor at West Point during a special presentation from Medal of Honor recipient, Robert Foley himself.
Nainoa Hoe: Schofield Barracks, HI- to be awarded in August
Thomas Hudner: Fox Valley Composite Civil Air Patrol- Cailey Stolt
Isaiah Hunt: Bayport High School, WI- Evan Krznarich
Ryan Jerabek: Pulaski High School, WI- Olivia Williquette
Junior Achievement- Business Challenge-Kamden Bay
Len Keller: Auburn High School, Rockford, IL-Gina Fiorenza
Ken Kubsch: Manitowoc High School, WI- Zachary Zdziarski
Brian LaViolette: Ashwaubenon High School, WI- Brittany Voight
LEAP School Science and Math (2 Scholarships), South Africa- To be awarded in Aug.
Eric McColley: Gettysburg High School, PA- Summer Lefler-Booth
NWTC Scholarship (2 scholarships): Aubrey Williams
Nueske Family: Wittenberg-Birnamwood, WI- Jadalynn Davids
Victoria Parmentier Scholarship: Ashwaubenon High School, WI- Jocelyn McNicoll
Hannah Moe received the Journey is the Reward Scholarship at Oconto High School. She will be studying nursing at University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh
Victoria Robbins Parmentier: Oconto Falls High School, WI-Danielle Darby
General George S. Patton: Pilsen, Czech Republic,- Natálie Jeslínková
Poland Scholarships: Nidzica Poland- September 2022
Robert Safford: Oconto High School, WI- Cole Pierucki
Ron Sager: Fox Valley Lutheran High School, WI- Karina Qualmann
Matt Schmidt: Young Life, Green Bay, WI- To be awarded in July
St. Norbert Scholarships (2 scholarships): DePere, WI --Maria Miller and Nathaniel Lezotte
Ken Stumpf, Elmer Burr: Menasha High School, WI- Evan Rubbert
"The Journey is the Reward": Oconto High School (2), WI- Hannah Moe and Juliana Sieber
"The Journey is Reward": Suring High School, WI- Gavin Fredenburg
Jesse Thiry: Luxemburg Casco High School, WI- McKenna Day
Brent Vroman: Omro High School, WI-Jaelyn Stadler
Bernard Webber: MAST Academy, Miami FL- Carlos Aragan
Joe Welke- Stevens High School, Rapid City, SD- The Learning Center
Ray Zimmerman: Green Bay West High School, WI- Nadia Mortinson
Hershel Woodrow “Woody” Williams, the last surviving World War II Medal of Honor recipient, has died at the age of 98 years old.
Mrs. Bradley, Woody and 2007 John Bradley Scholarship of Honor recipient, Luke Justman.
We met Woody during the 2007 Congressional Medal of Honor convention in Green Bay, WI. Beyond his battlefield heroics, he was a kind and gentle soul.
That same year, he took part in the 1st annual John Bradley Scholarship of Honor presentation at Appleton West with Mrs. Bradley and scholarship sponsors, Ron and Colleen Weyers.
It was a special time for the school, its students and the Bradley family.
Woody earned his Congressional Medal of Honor during the Battle of Iwo Jima for displaying "valiant devotion to duty." It was presented to him by President Harry Truman in a ceremony at the White House on October 5, 1945.
Born on a dairy farm in Quiet Dell, West Virginia, in 1923, Williams served 20 years in the Marine Corps and Marine Corps Reserves. In the early days of World War II, Woody delivered telegrams informing Gold Star families that their loved one had died, an experience Woody said helped him appreciate life and better understand the "difference in death in the normal world as expected in life, and those lost serving in the military for their country."
After the war, Woody worked for 33 years in the Department of Veterans Affairs. He also created the Woody Williams Foundation to support and advocate on behalf of Gold Star Families after his time as a Marine.
Woody with scholarship sponsors, Colleen and Ron Weyers
"Just another day of my senior year, turned into a day I will never forget. I received with great honor, the Brian LaViolette Scholarship for $10,000.
I was nominated for this scholarship by my school counselor for my hard work and determination as I work to obtain my degree in nursing.
A raw moment, as you can tell
•no fancy outfit
•no makeup
•my crazy hair
Looking back upon this day in 20 years, the way I looked will not matter but the look on my parent’s faces will matter forever.”
Judy Voight, Renee LaViolette, Brittany Voight, Doug LaViolette and Dan Voight at the surprise presentation
Every year we have the privilege of surprising a student with a $10,000 check during one of their school days. And each year, it is so much fun.
The 2022 Brian LaViolette Scholarship was awarded to Brittany Voight. Brittany has already worked unbelievably hard towards becoming a registered nurse. Ultimately, she would like to work as an RN in the neonatal or pediatric intensive care unit.
This year the surprise was at Seymour High School where a team of people gathered in the library waiting for Brittany's class to join them. The team consisted of members of Greater Green Bay Chamber who help administer the scholarship, the principal, the recipient’s parents and Doug and Renee LaViolette.
Brittany has completed over 75% of her general college education while in high school, she works overnight shifts at Bellin hospital on the weekends and works at a local diner. With all that dedication, she will be entering into the nursing program at NWTC this fall.
Each of the finalists were incredibly worthy of this year’s scholarship. It was a tough decision and one we didn’t take lightly. We’d like to thank the Green Bay Chamber for another year of support. They administer the application and interview process, and it is a crucial part of awarding Brian’s scholarship.
Another BIG thanks to Medal of Honor recipient, Gary Wetzel who is the sponsor of this year's Brian LaViolette Scholarship.
Congratulations to Cadet Captain Cailey Stolt, who was presented the 2022 Thomas Hudner Scholarship of Honor at this year’s Wisconsin Wing Conference.
C/Capt Stolt will be pursuing a nursing degree from the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire. She stated, "I am grateful to have received this scholarship and represent Thomas Hudner and his legacy."
Presenting the scholarship were Lt Col Stephen Kohler & Col Denese Helgeland
The scholarship is in honor of Thomas Hudner, a fighter pilot in the Korean War, who routinely completed his missions by air. But in a dramatic rescue attempt of a fellow pilot, Hudner executed a wheels-up landing in enemy territory and found himself battling the elements on the ground. The snow and cold of December 1950 in North Korea found Hudner thinking not of himself or the enemy, but of one fellow Navy pilot, Ensign Jesse Brown, the Navy’s first African American aviator.
President Truman awarded Thomas Hudner the Congressional Medal of Honor on April 13, 1951 for his courageous actions.
This year’s scholarship is sponsored by Mary and retired Navy Captain Thomas Hennessey.
This is our 29th scholarship season. It is an exciting time for our applicants, as they enjoy the last couple months of their Senior year. Their minds are also transitioning into the next step of a college education and all the questions and excitement that goes along with that.
And all of us at Brian’s Foundation enjoy this time of year too. Spring is always a time of blossoming and every year, the students of today and yesterday provide us a lot of hope. Thanks to so many donors and volunteers, young men and women are inspired and financially supported in the next step of their journey. And it is not lost on them.
Sarah Ames MacFarland was a scholarship recipient from 1996. She shares more about her journey here.
It seems fitting we would share the details of Coach K’s watch on this special day.
Today, Coach “K”, Mike Krzyzewski is coaching his final home basketball at Duke University. It’s a journey that began 42 years ago and tonight is his 1562nd game played in Cameron Indoor Stadium, on the hardwood floor that bears his name.
Time will tell what the final score will be for Duke vs Carolina, but we do know the time on a watch Coach K wore and owned, will bring joy and reflection to its new owner. The big question, will it be yours?
We have been eyeing the date 2.22.22 for a while now. Many know that Brian's Foundation enjoys these unique days. It all started with a conversation between Brian and his dad, Doug on 8.8.88. The Foundation has hosted events on 9.9.99, 11.11.11, 11.12.13 and today is not lost on us. With that, we’d like to update you on a powerful ‘little’ project.
Since we announced the "Once Upon a Time Watch Project" late last year with a donation from His Holiness, Pope Francis, dozens of others have joined him in supporting Brian's Foundation- American heroes, celebrities, sports figures, heads of states. We are humbled to say the least.
These timepieces will be auctioned live and online to a worldwide audience through Rago/Wright, an industry leader auction house, later this fall or early this winter. Every watch has as story and if you or someone you know would like to be involved in donating a watch, we would be proud to tell your story too.
“Rago/Wright is proud to share our expertise and auction platform in support of The Brian LaViolette Scholarship Foundation. We look forward to the Once Upon Time Watch auction.” Richard Wright, CEO of Rago/Wright stated.
100% of the proceeds will be used to help Brian’s Foundation continue its mission of providing scholarships and inspiration for generations to come. For more details on the Watch Project, please visit briansjourney.com.
2021 brought challenges and hope. It brought unknowns and gratitude. It also brought 56 new scholarship recipients into our lives.
As those 56 young men and women start out on the next chapter of their lives, we are reminded about possibility. Each and every one of them have already achieved so much in their lives. At 18 years old, they understand what it means to make a difference.
This is just a fraction of the Brian LaViolette Foundation's 2021 Scholarship recipients. Please visit www.briansjourney.com for details on each of our scholarships.
Thank you for your continued support and making a lasting impression in the lives of todays students.
"I’ve been so inspired by the Foundation and your family turning Brian’s tragedy into triumphs for students like me. I will never forget this day and I will never forget your advice to stay true to myself.
One of the first things people say about me is I’ve got a great smile. After reading Brain’s book tonight, it sounds like he did too. I get the feeling we have a lot in common. I’ll be sure to keep flashing my smile and spreading happiness just like Brian."
Brady Wittig, Brian LaViolette Scholarship recipient, Ashwaubenon, WI
“I want to express my gratitude and honor in being a recipient of this scholarship. I am both humbled and inspired by the story of Ken’s life. He epitomizes the person and physician I aspire to be someday. With the generosity of this scholarship fund, I feel my dreams becoming more of a reality. I know with such support; I can go forward and change lives as a physician just as Ken did.”
Mia Strazny, 2021 Ken Kusbsch Scholarship recipient, Manitowoc WI
“I am retiring after 33 years in education. I really enjoyed and appreciated all your support through the years. The David Hatfield Scholarship of Honor was one of my favorites and I loved working with you.”
Jan Daniels, Guidance Office, Tunstall High School, Dry Fork, VA
“This scholarship means a lot to me. I can’t believe I was selected as a recipient. Receiving the scholarship means I have succeeded. A lot of people say there isn’t help out there, but this shows that there are others who help.”
Saraza Byake, Andrew Brownfield Scholarship of Honor Recipient, Akron, OH
Last week was a humbling time for us. We had known for a while about the gift that Pope Francis was donating to Brian's Foundation but sharing it with others was truly surreal and significant.
In a special media announcement, that included members of the media, friends, and board members of the Foundation, we unveiled a watch once owned by his Holiness, Pope Francis.
During the hour we spent together, Brian’s best friend, Austin Rios joined in. Austin, an Episcopal Priest who has led a church in Rome, Italy for the past decade shared how we approached him with this idea, how it came to fruition and more about his friendship with Brian.
The “Once Upon a Time Watch Project” is one of our greatest fundraising efforts with the upcoming live and online auction to take place in the summer of 2022. (Details will be released on 2.22.22)
Pope Francis' wristwatch will be front and center in the auction, alongside timepieces worn over the last few decades by the likes of Priscilla Presley, Jerry Lewis, Jan Stenerud and Medal of Honor recipient, Sal Giunta.
Doug LaViolette is pictured here with Mike Calawerts, endowment Campaign Chair and friend of the Foundation. They proudly unveiled the watch from his Holiness and a letter to the Foundation at Nicolet National Bank where the watch is held in safekeeping.
We really hope you take some time to read the rest of the story in the Green Bay Press Gazette article by Natalie Eilbert here. You can also see the news stories by WBAY-TV2 and WFRV-TV5.
The journey continues! Thank you for being a part of it.
The first annual Matt Schmidt Kindness Scholarship presentation through Young Life was awarded to Gabe Vasquez from the Schmidt family.
Gabe wrote a beautiful essay about how he has seen kindness from a Young Life leader and plans on paying that kindness forward. In Gabe's essay, he stated: "Kindness is a gift God intended for every human to experience in their lifetime."
Matt Schmidt
The inspiration for the scholarship is Matt Schmidt. Matt was a 2008 graduate of Green Bay Southwest High School and attended UW Stout before coming back to live in Green Bay.
In his element, you could find Matt hanging out with friends and family, running, fishing, golfing, watching the Packers, picking on his younger siblings, hunting, boating, listening to music, grilling out juicy steaks and hanging out in Door County. Although those things were significant in his life, Matt had a true passion to serve the youth in the community through the organization, Young Life. During his last two years, Matts work schedule made it difficult to participate as much as he would have liked, but he still found time to head to camp to be a counselor, participate in the annual Young Life Glow Run, and set up a curling event for the organization.
Everyone who had the pleasure to meet Matt during his short life knew he had a big heart. He was always there for anyone at any time, and was quick to give them everything he had. He was one to always give, and never to take. Matt radiated kindness wherever he went, having the ability to step in and help in any situation. As his final act of kindness here on Earth, Matt donated his organs so that six people could continue his legacy.
Matt’s family wanted to honor him and help a young man or women on their educational journey. The Matt Kindness Scholarship will be presented annually to a Young Life Student who exemplifies the legacy Matt left here on earth.
I am writing simply to say thank you again, more than 5 years after receiving the award, I still feel so motivated by your family's choice and belief in me in making a difference in the world. This past year, going through medical school (and in a pandemic no less) has been the most challenging year of my life in terms of rigor and academic stress.
Donglin in 2015- surprise presentation of the Brian LaViolette Scholarship
In preparation to apply for some research fellowships, I was reminded of that morning in high school when your family and mine came to my school to surprise me with the award. Whenever I think of that moment, my heart is filled with warmth and a bit more strength to keep working.
Now, in the clinical rotations of 3rd year, I am learning medicine on the wards and not just from the books. This comes with it its own set of challenges but also rewards - the chance to contribute to the care of another person while learning from it. I should do well to remember that "the journey is the reward," especially on the most challenging of days.
The other lesson I am learning is that in choosing medicine, I have chosen a field that will always encounter suffering, pain, and loss. There is no easy way to cope except to understand that my calling is to work with my colleagues to face these challenges with hope, innovation, and kindness. This is an example that you and your family have set for me and for all who come to know of Brian's legacy.
Donglin with her medical school roommates during the white coat ceremony
Thank you for believing in me.
Warmly,
Donglin Zhang
Ron Weyers (right) with Andrzej Zawiesk learning more about the need for scholarships in Nidzica, Poland.
“Ron was a master of managing by walking around. He would frequently kick off his shoes somewhere during the day and have to backtrack to find them at the end of the day. He wanted input from everybody on how they could "do better" and always made sure to celebrate success. He listened. He cared about people and their lives.”
For those of you who knew Ron Weyers, you knew his unique thoughtfulness. For those of you who didn’t have a chance to know Ron, we’d like to introduce you to him.
Sadly, the quote above is from his obituary. But as I read it, I had to smile. I could envision Ron kicking off his shoes, getting comfortable and making those around him feel comfortable by doing so. He had a gift for that.
Ron’s schooling started in a one-room schoolhouse and continued in the Army. He started and ran several successful companies, all embodying a family atmosphere. In the meantime, he and Colleen raised a beautiful family of their own.
Ron and Colleen Weyers (right) with Mrs. Betty Bradley (left) and the first John Bradley Scholarship of Honor recipient, Luke Justman in May 2007.
Ron and his family have been one of our biggest contributors and one of our biggest encouragers of Brian’s Foundation. The Weyers Family Foundation was one of our first sponsors for our scholarships in Poland. They sponsored the John Bradley Scholarship of Honor at Appleton West High School. They were a large contributor to the Ken Kubsch Scholarship and continue to provide an annual donation to our Scholarship of Honor program to cover the expenses of the scholarship medal so that 100% of the scholarship funds could continue to go directly to the recipients (this was Ron’s idea and he approached us).
Ron and his wife, Colleen, received the Brian LaViolette Spirit Award in 2015 for all their support to Brian’s Foundation and all they have done for the community. If we listed everything, it would be a very long list.
Renee LaViolette, Ron and Colleen Weyers, Doug and Kim LaViolette during the 2015 Brian LaViolette Spirit Award luncheon.
We have no doubt that Ron has touched the lives of tens of thousands of people throughout the years--through his companies, his support to organizations and universities, their Brown County Library branch, and those he met along the way. We always told him we couldn’t thank him enough for all his belief and support in Brian’s Foundation. We still can’t, but we will say it once again, “Thank you for everything, Ron.”
The next time I have to backtrack for my shoes, I will think of Ron Weyers.
By Julie Hoerth with Doug LaViolette
One of the common traits among the Medal of Honor recipients is their modesty. Ask any one of them about their heroic efforts and they’ll all say the same thing. “I’m just a regular guy. Nobody special. Just doing my job.”
None of the honorees exemplifies this more to me than Gary Wetzel.
Meeting Gary for the first time, one might find himself intimidated. A highly-decorated Vietnam War Veteran, Gary worked as a heavy equipment operator in South Milwaukee. A prosthetic arm replaces the one he lost when he was blown into a rice paddy by a homemade grenade while defending our freedom at the age of 19.
On the inside, Gary has a heart of gold. He’s a true Wisconsinite – a proud Harley Davidson-driving Milwaukee man who epitomizes the down-to-earth attitude and strong work ethic that Midwesterners are known for.
Photo by Nick DelCalzo
At the age of 18, Gary joined the United States Army. During his first tour, he was assigned to the 173rd Assault Helicopter Company, the Robin Hoods, where he served as a door gunner. Just ten days away from being shipped home from Vietnam, Gary was gunned down for the fifth time on January 8, 1968. He and his crew found themselves deep in enemy territory, surrounded by hostile fire.
Two of Gary’s fellow crew members were killed outright in the battle. While going to the aid of his aircraft commander, Gary was hit by a grenade that caused severe wounds to his right arm, chest and left leg, and severed his entire upper left arm. Under the circumstances, Gary continued fighting for the next 12 hours.
Despite the fact that he continued to lose blood and pass in and out of consciousness, Gary forged on, grabbing the wounded soldiers around him and dragging them across the rice paddy to safety.
The following morning, Gary and the other survivors were rescued. He was taken to a field hospital where he spent just over a week on the critical list. Gary had suffered spinal damage, and his left arm was amputated. Once they were able to stabilize him, they sent him to a hospital in Tokyo.
Gary was a young man when he sustained these life-changing injuries. He could have become bitter, or hardened, but he chose to move on. Gary spent about five months at Ft. Simmons, outside of Denver, Colorado, where he had various skin grafts, learned to walk again and got adjusted to using his new prosthetic arm.
It is worth repeating, Gary is a true Wisconsinite. Not surprisingly, he is a Green Bay Packer fan through and through. He’ll tell you he’s a fan of “the old black and blue division – when football was football.” During the Medal of Honor Convention in Green Bay that was spearheaded by Brian’s Foundation, we arranged for all of the recipients to attend a Packer game. Gary, along with the other Wisconsin recipients, took part in the coin toss. Gary wore a Bart Starr jersey that day. Standing on the field he made eye contact with Brett Favre and said, “No offense pal. This is my hero.”
Bart Starr, Green Bay Packers, photo by Doug LaViolette, circa 1971
Years earlier, during recovery in Tokyo, Gary had the honor of meeting his hero in person. It was a down time for Gary – he was learning to come to terms with the fact that his arm was gone and the trials he would face as he transitioned back into the civilian world. There were professional football players visiting on the U.S.O. Tour, and someone asked if anyone on the ward was from Wisconsin. The next thing he knew, Bart Starr was in his room. Gary says chatting with Bart lifted his spirits and was just what he needed. When Bart Starr returned home from the tour, Gary read an article about him in American Legion Magazine where he was asked about his most memorable moments from the tour. Bart said what he remembered most was meeting “a little ‘ole red-headed guy that lost his left arm from Wisconsin.” I think it’s kind of neat that Bart Starr and Gary Wetzel had an impact on each other.
That same year, while working as an expediter back in Wisconsin, Gary was approached by three men – a colonel, a major and a first sergeant – who told him to pack his bags for a trip to Washington to receive the Medal of Honor. Gary didn’t believe them. He had already been honored with the Distinguished Service Cross – the second highest military honor. In his words, “Nobody thinks they’re going to receive a Medal of Honor.” It took the men two weeks, but they were finally able to convince Gary that they were sincere. On November 19, 1968, Gary Wetzel received the highest military honor from President Lyndon B. Johnson.
Still, Gary says his heroic efforts were no big deal. He just did what he had to do.
Today Gary speaks to high school students throughout Wisconsin and the Midwest, relaying his story and trying to teach them about the meaning of sacrifice and patriotism. He teaches them about the realities of war – that it is horrifying, not glorifying – and tries to pass on the message of what it truly means to give back to your country.
While in Green Bay for the 2007 Medal of Honor Convention, he spoke to West DePere High School students. Gary said that the school visits were his favorite during the convention and if he can change just one student’s life, then he did his job. Gary continues to make a difference in the lives of students. And he will make a big one next year, as the sponsor of the $10,000 Brian LaViolette Scholarship.
Gary Wetzel can say what he wants about being just a regular guy. In my eyes, he is a true American hero.
While Brian LaViolette's childhood idol, Pro Football Hall of Fame kicker Jan Stenerud was playing for the Green Bay Packers from 1980 - 1983, Brian began wearing his very first watch in August 1981 at the age of 4.
That watch was the Green Bay Packers watch shown here.
As the Brian LaViolette Foundation eyes its 30th anniversary next year, the passage of time is not lost on the LaViolette family. In seeking to grow an endowment that can fund scholarships for the next 30 years and beyond, Doug LaViolette came up with an idea after hearing about Paul Newman’s famous Daytona watch selling for $17.8 million.
Brian himself loved watches, he was really passionate about watches. In his short life, Brian collected seven watches, and now, the foundation is on a mission to collect some famous ones for its “Watch Project."
“We’re looking to gather watches from people who have helped shape this country and the world and eventually auction those watches off. Right now, according to what I’ve been able to research, there’s over four billion watches in the world and we’re only looking for 22,” says LaViolette.
The foundation is off to a great start, with watches from Jerry Lewis, Priscilla Presley, Medal of Honor recipient Sal Giunta, and Brian’s childhood idol, Pro Football Hall of Fame kicker Jan Stenerud, already in safe keeping at Nicolet National Bank.
“What Doug and his family have done is phenomenal, I know he’s getting a lot of help but to keep Brian’s memory alive and be able to help people from law enforcement families, military, first responders is a phenomenal cause, I’m so proud of them and it’s humbling to be part of such a wonderful cause,” said Jan Stenerud during an interview with Jeff Alexander of WBAY-TV 2.
Brian took the liberty of drawing Jan's football card he had hanging on his bulletin board in his bedroom. One unique thing about Jan Stenerud is he also played soccer which drew Brian to him. Pictured below is Jan’s Green Bay Packers watch.
You can learn more about the Watch Project and hear from Jan himself during this WBAY-TV 2 story here.Brian's Foundation will roll out its collection of watches to be auctioned on February 22, 2022.
For more details on the "Once Upon a Time Watch Project", please contact Doug LaViolette 920-655-4098 or doug@thelaviolettegroup.com or visit our website here.
29 years ago this week at his funeral, Brian’s family made a promise to accomplish great things in his memory. Now, the foundation created in his name, is embarking on its greatest fundraising mission yet, centered around time.
“It’s been said that the foundation has a ripple effect and so we do what we can to make the world a better place and each life that has been changed through the foundation goes on to make a difference. We’ve been really fortunate to witness that the last 29 years,” adds Kim LaViolette Mosteller, Brian’s sister, and Brian LaViolette Scholarship Foundation Executive Director.
As foundation eyes its 30th anniversary, the passage of time is not lost on the LaViolette family. “Our runway is running short, or shorter, and as you reflect on time, time has always been something we held dear in our family, in our life,” says LaViolette.
Brian age 4 looking at his first watch, a Green Bay Packers watch.
In seeking to grow an endowment that can fund scholarships for the next 30 years, LaViolette came up with an idea after hearing about Paul Newman’s famous Daytona watch selling for $17 million.
“Brian himself loved watches, he was really passionate about watches, he started wearing his first watch when he was just four years old, and it was a Green Bay Packers watch, Swiss made,” explains LaViolette.
In his short life, Brian collected seven watches, and now, the foundation is on a mission to collect some famous ones for its “Watch Project.”
“We’re looking to gather watches from people who have helped shape this country and the world and eventually auction those watches off. Right now, according to what I’ve been able to research, there’s over four billion watches in the world and we’re only looking for 22,” says LaViolette.
The foundation is off to a great start, with watches from Jerry Lewis, Priscilla Presley, Medal of Honor recipient Sal Giunta, and Brian’s childhood idol, Pro Football Hall of Fame kicker Jan Stenerud, already in safe keeping at Nicolet National Bank.
LaViolette’s watch wish list aims high, but he has some great connections to acquire ones from past foundation supporters like Jay Leno and Brett Favre, as well as watches from Mario Andretti, George W. Bush, and even the Pope.
“People who help shape the world, they don’t necessarily have to have really expensive watches, and Pope Francis wears this Casio,” says LaViolette.
Just like a teenage boy from Green Bay did almost 30 years ago.
“Every single day I proudly wear Brian’s Casio watch,” says LaViolette with a smile. You can learn more through the WBAY-TV2 story here.
The Brian LaViolette Scholarship Foundation will roll out its collection of watches to be auctioned on February 22, 2022.
It isn't often that we meet someone who was there the day Brian drowned.
After seeing the local tv news stories about the Foundation's 1000th scholarship, a Door County paramedic who was on duty the day Brian went missing reached out. We had never met before, but her kindness reminded us that Brian's journey is ongoing. That the Foundation in his memory is far-reaching and that we have no idea how many people are touched in some way by its work.
“It is gratifying for me personally to see what a tremendous difference you have made in people's lives, not only in northeastern Wisconsin, but across the globe.
When Brian drowned, I was one of two paramedics on duty in northern Door County. At the time, we were encompassed by the tragedy of someone so young losing their life, but to see what you have done in his memory gives hope to even those in their darkest days.
I have been privileged to have seen both the despair and the joy of Brian's journey, and count myself among the blessed. Thank you for all that you have done, and continue to do." -- Anne Alberts
It's no surprise that running a small non-profit organization is hard work and has its challenges. Yet in 29 years, we are continually humbled by people like Anne. After she reached out and we asked if we could share her story, she said, "to be able to help you and others, even in a small way, is soul-changing for me."
Thank you all for letting us serve you and the community for so many years. It is truly soul-changing.
The Brian LaViolette Scholarship Foundation is proud to have received the highest possible rating on Charity Navigator.
This four-star rating designates Brian’s Foundation as an official “Give with Confidence” charity, indicating that our organization is using its donations effectively based on Charity Navigator’s criteria.
