Our Commitment to the People of Eight Eleven
Whether it’s celebrating their achievements, providing support in times of need, or supporting their charities and philanthropic initiatives, we are here for the People of Eight Eleven.
Who Are the People of Eight Eleven?
As the charitable arm of the Eight Eleven Family of Companies, we understand just how big of a role family can play in one’s life, both personally and professionally. This is why we are committed to supporting and expanding initiatives that help Eight Eleven Group’s employees, spouses, and children.
Our Current Initiatives
Remembering Rudy Memorial Fund
On June 6th, 2023, 20 weeks into their pregnancy a member of the Eight Eleven Family lost their unborn baby boy. Rudy’s due date was going to be October 15th which also happens to be National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day.
In search of light and positivity during mourning and darkness, the foundation’s board developed the Remembering Rudy Memorial Fund, under the People of Eight Eleven pillar. This fund intends to support Eight Eleven Group employees, emotionally and financially, who may experience the tragedy of late-term pregnancy (20 weeks and beyond) or infant loss. Although we fully understand that our support will never take away from the pain these experiences bring, we hope it will lighten the burden of expenses for those individuals.
Each year on October 15th, the foundation will honor Rudy and others in the Eight Eleven Family of Companies who have experienced a similar loss by providing a platform for individuals to share their stories. Donations to the fund can be made at any time and will include the option to donate in remembrance of a child who has passed and families that have experienced loss.
Interested in giving directly to the Remembering Rudy Memorial Fund? Donate by clicking the link below, select "Remembering Rudy Memorial Fund" under the "I'd Like to Support" option.
Click here to donateAdditional Resources for Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support:
Websites
Our Past Initiatives
The Tyler “Tye” Edwards "Be Like Tye" Memorial Scholarship
One of the foundation’s first initiatives to support the People of Eight Eleven was a $5,000 donation to help create and vest the “Be Like Tye” scholarship at Alma College, Michigan in honor of Tyler “Tye” Edwards following the early passing of the beloved Brooksource employee. Although Tye had only been with the Eight Eleven family for a little over a year, he was able to make a lasting impact in that time.
“He truly lived out Eight Eleven’s core values as his passion for life and contagious smile could brighten any room. His grit and determination allowed him to quickly rise to the challenges of being an Account Executive. However, the one core value that embodied Tye the most was his dedication to service – he would never pass up an opportunity to help others," Carlie Oakley, President of the Eight Eleven Foundation
The foundation hopes that this scholarship will honor the legacy that Tye left behind and encourage others to live up to the high standard he set. Contributions to The Tyler Edwards Memorial Scholarship will support historically underserved students from Grand Rapids or Flint-area high schools or community colleges who choose to attend Alma College and who major in business or health administration, Tye's two favorite subject areas. This new scholarship is named after Tye with the goal of fully endowing the fund so that it lasts forever in his honor.
The Tyler “Tye” Edwards "Be Like Tye" Memorial Scholarship
One of the foundation’s first initiatives to support the People of Eight Eleven was a $5,000 donation to help create and vest the “Be Like Tye” scholarship at Alma College, Michigan in honor of Tyler “Tye” Edwards following the early passing of the beloved Brooksource employee. Although Tye had only been with the Eight Eleven family for a little over a year, he was able to make a lasting impact in that time.
“He truly lived out Eight Eleven’s core values as his passion for life and contagious smile could brighten any room. His grit and determination allowed him to quickly rise to the challenges of being an Account Executive. However, the one core value that embodied Tye the most was his dedication to service – he would never pass up an opportunity to help others," Carlie Oakley, President of the Eight Eleven Foundation
The foundation hopes that this scholarship will honor the legacy that Tye left behind and encourage others to live up to the high standard he set. Contributions to The Tyler Edwards Memorial Scholarship will support historically underserved students from Grand Rapids or Flint-area high schools or community colleges who choose to attend Alma College and who major in business or health administration, Tye's two favorite subject areas. This new scholarship is named after Tye with the goal of fully endowing the fund so that it lasts forever in his honor.