The Eight Eleven Foundation’s 25 Acts of Kindness

Athletics & Beyond is a Denver-based philanthropy that combines physical fitness and professional mentoring to empower the underprivileged youth in the Denver Metropolitan area. In addition to this support from the Eight Eleven Foundation, Brooksource is also a Gold Level Sponsor of Athletics & Beyond. As a Gold Level Sponsor, the organization sponsored multiple student interns and equipped them with transferable business skills. The Denver Market looks forward to expanding its partnership with Athletics & Beyond and taking in more student interns for the 2025-2026 school year.

Cofounded in 2018 by Colin Gerner after experiencing his brother’s battle with Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM), a highly aggressive, fast-growing brain tumor, StacheStrong is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit devoted to raising funds and awareness for brain cancer research. Defeating brain cancer and improving the quality of patients’ lives is the organization’s daily focus. With the help of supporters like Erica Turco and the Eight Eleven Foundation, StacheStrong has funded over $5,000,000 of brain cancer research to date!

In the early days of its inception, Colin was a crucial advisor in guiding the board through the proper paperwork and finances to become a 501(c)(3) organization.

"Colin's knowledge in the nonprofit world was instrumental in the fabric of the bylaws, and we couldn’t have done it without him. It was only fitting that one of our first 25 Acts of Kindness would support StacheStrong—a cause close to Colin’s heart, where he channels his passion into advancing brain cancer research in honor of his brother.” -Carlie Oakley, President of the Eight Eleven Foundation

Since 2004, the American Heart Association’s signature women's initiative, Go Red for Women, has addressed the awareness and clinical care gaps of women’s greatest health threat, cardiovascular disease (CVD). Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of women, with nearly 45% of women ages 20+ living with some form of cardiovascular disease. One of those women is Brooksource’s Associate Vice President of Operations, Carrie Kuppart. Heart disease has always been in the background of Carrie’s life, with both her dad’s and grandpa’s battles with the disease being core memories of her childhood. However, she never expected to be diagnosed with the disease herself since most of her exposure revolved around it only affecting men. That all changed at the age of 38, when Carrie was diagnosed with coronary artery disease.

Instead of being defeated, Carrie saw her diagnosis as an opportunity to do more. “As someone who prioritizes health and wellness, I was surprised to learn that I had a 25% blockage in my left coronary artery... The silence of this disease is what's scariest, and it's why I'm so passionate about preventative care and education,” explained Carrie. In 2025, from February 7th to April 10th, Carrie joined the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women’s “Woman of Impact” campaign and used her story to help raise funds and spread awareness. The Eight Eleven Foundation was proud to support Carrie in this noble cause.

The Music Wellness Program engages patients in therapeutic musical activities tailored to each patient’s individual needs, aiming to improve their speech and language, cognitive abilities, and sensorimotor function. This program targets patients who have experienced a stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, or other neurological disorders and injuries. The inclusion of music therapy in traditional treatment plans stimulates patients to complete more functional tasks and enhances the overall recovery journey.

“My family and I have been familiar with NRH for nearly 25 years, beginning when my father (Robert Marsteller) spent months there recovering after a car crash that left him paralyzed from the waist down. We were fortunate to be living in Washington, DC, minutes from where NRH was ready to provide exceptional rehabilitative care. NRH’s doctors, nurses, and therapists allowed him to regain far greater mobility than expected, offering a full life ahead of relative independence that would have otherwise been impossible.” -Wiley Marsteller

Finally, after regaining significant function and returning home, Robert’s focus turned to giving back to MedStar Health and helping others rebuild their lives following disabling injuries and illnesses. Robert joined the philanthropy team at MedStar NRH in 2005 and has played an integral role in many of its successful philanthropic initiatives, including the creation of its musical therapy program. NRH relies on philanthropy, like the support of the Eight Eleven Foundation, to assist patients who cannot afford the full cost of treatment, as well as to fund impactful initiatives like the music therapy program.

Originating in 1982, A Special Wish Foundation, Inc. (ASW), has granted over 4,000 “special” wishes in 43 states and the District of Columbia. ASW was the first wish-granting organization in Ohio and the third in the nation at the time. It was founded by Ramona Fickle, a former hospice volunteer, who was concerned about the lack of services for children with life-threatening illnesses.

“I've been associated with ASW since the middle of 2023, which is when we first started planning our first E3 Day of Service with them. Since then, we've supported the organization with a bedroom remodel, multiple gift-wrapping parties, hosted our own Wish Reveal party in the Columbus office, and joined them at the airport to send off a Wish child to Disney World. The Eight Eleven Foundation’s donation is actually what made this wish come true!” -Jordan Foulke

Project Makeover is based in Gainesville, FL, and focuses on creating dynamic learning environments for underserved students in Alachua County through elementary school makeovers. While Gainesville is a college town and home to the University of Florida, many Alachua County Public Schools face significant funding challenges and often lack the resources to provide optimal learning spaces. As a graduate of both Alachua County Public Schools and the University of Florida, this organization holds a special significance for Avery Harrison.

“My journey with Project Makeover began in 2017 during my freshman year of college, and I remained involved throughout my time at the University of Florida. I served in various roles: as a Volunteer, Recruitment Captain, Team Lead, and ultimately as Executive Director in my senior year. After graduating, I continued my support by serving a term on the Board of Directors.” -Avery Harrison

Donations will transform elementary schools while directly impacting the lives of young students and empowering college students. Additionally, your support could help Project Makeover achieve its goal of expanding to more college towns across Florida and the United States.

Special Olympics Colorado enriches the lives of children and adults with intellectual disabilities through the power of sports, education, and athlete's health. With more than 23,000 athletes competing in 22 different sports around Colorado, state and international levels, every dollar helps fuel inclusive opportunities that empower athletes to build confidence, friendships, and lifelong skills both on and off the field. Tyler Nickle, an Account Executive with Brooksource in Denver, has maintained a strong relationship with Special Olympics Colorado since college and remains involved with the organization.

“I’ve been involved with the Special Olympics for over ten years and had the opportunity of running the Special Olympics program at Colorado State University. It is a cause that is very near and dear to my heart and overall brings a sense of community to everyone involved. With the help of generous donations, we‘re planning to host or sponsor various events, that not only support our athletes but also raise awareness for this incredible cause.” -Tyler Nickle

Tyler has played a key role in facilitating the sponsorship between Brooksource’s Denver Market and Special Olympics Colorado, helping sponsor two major events in 2024 - the Polar Plunge and Plane Pull. Thanks to generous contributions totaling $1.08 million and growing, the Special Olympics can continue to host impactful events like these and provide meaningful support to the athletes and families who are part of this organization.

The Tommy McNamara Charitable Foundation (TMCF) was founded in 2013 to pay tribute to Tommy McNamara, a young man from the Kennebunk community who passed away tragically in 2012. The TMCF’s mission is to raise funds to develop and maintain quality recreational and sports facilities for the enjoyment of the youth of the Kennebunk/Kennebunkport community, something Tommy was passionate about.

“It is great to be a part of something that focuses so much on the value of community and bringing people together, particularly during difficult times. The Foundation was founded to honor my cousin Tommy, who lived his life in that way – always being a connector and not being afraid to have a little fun along the way (sounds like a lot of what we do here at Eight Eleven)! The goal is to encourage the next generation through improving public spaces and providing recreation opportunities to kids & families that otherwise would be unable. Through the generosity of both individuals and organizations like the Eight Eleven Foundation, we are accomplishing those goals and hoping to be able to do it on an even larger scale moving forward!” -Mike McNamara

For over 85 years, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta (BGCMA) has ignited the unlimited potential of children and teens by creating safe, inclusive, and engaging environments. BGCMA’s 25 Clubs located in 9 counties across metropolitan Atlanta have traditionally served nearly 8,000 kids& teens (ages 6-18) each year, offering youth development programs during critical non-school hours that promote academic success, healthy lifestyles, and character and leadership skills.

Thanks to funding from the Eight Eleven Foundation, the Atlanta market was able to provide the materials and volunteers needed to revamp BGCMA’s butterfly garden and front entrance. This project was carried out during Eight Eleven’s E3 Day of Service, its annual day dedicated to volunteering to improve the communities it serves.

“Eight Eleven Atlanta has been proudly partnering with Boys & Girls Club of Chamblee for over 10 years. We are committed to supporting their safe and enriching environment for kids and appreciate the ability to give back to our community. We look forward to the continued partnership in the coming years.” -Makenzie Hayes, Director of Atlanta Operations – Brooksource

2 years ago, one of Eight Eleven Tampa’s recruiters, Lauren Hamilton, unfortunately lost her father to ALS. Since then, Eight Eleven’s Tampa Market has been a diligent partner with foundations related to ALS in the area. Last year, Ben Bobish, Senior Director of South Florida – Brooksource, participated in the CEO Soak, an Ice Bucket Challenge held locally to raise awareness in our community about the disease and support additional research. This year, with Ben leaving the market to take on a new role, Bailey Alfaro, Director of Tampa Operations – Brooksource, was excited to take his place in the CEO Soak event and continue the tradition.

“Working for a company that truly lives its core value of family reminds me why I love what I do. I know my dad would be proud to see us all out here, standing together to support ALS research and the incredible work being done to find a cure.” -Lauren Hamilton, Sr. Technical Recruiter – Brooksource

To participate in the CEO Soak challenge, each “CEO” must raise a minimum of $2,500 for ALS Research. Thanks to the generous support of the Eight Eleven Foundation and the hard work of the Tampa market, the group was able to double that goal and raise $5,000!

For their second appearance on the “25 Acts of Kindness” campaign, members of Eight Eleven’s Columbus team partnered with A Special Wish Foundation – Central Ohio for its annual E3 Day of Service project. Thanks to the funding it received from the Eight Eleven Foundation, the market was able to host a Day at the Park with ASW and the children it supports. The event consisted of writing handwritten birthday and wish-granting cards for each child, stuffing gift bags, a catered lunch, and plenty of games. The children and families of the ASW Foundation especially appreciated this event, as they don't often get many opportunities to gather.

“I understand we've already received one of the 25 Acts of Kindness from the foundation, but the women who run ASW have been incredibly grateful for everything we’ve done so far, thanks to the foundation’s support. Words cannot describe the feeling you get when you put a smile on these kids’ faces. They have been dealt a tough situation at a young age, so anything we can do to make them feel like a kid again makes a big difference!” -Jordan Foulke, Sr. Account Executive - Medasource

BrainUp is a Chicago-based charity dedicated to bringing awareness to brain cancer, a disease that often doesn’t receive the attention it deserves. The organization works to provide support and reassurance to patients and families navigating a brain cancer diagnosis, while also activating the community through fundraising and educational events. By partnering with physicians, researchers, and families, BrainUp strives to advance treatment options and ultimately find a cure.

“I was first introduced to BrainUp through my best friend, whose father passed away from Glioblastoma, an under-researched and terminal illness that took him far too soon. Having also lost my brother, seeing this level of advocacy, purpose, and hope behind BrainUp’s mission truly touches me. What makes BrainUp so special is that it was founded by two parents who lost their own daughter to this same devastating disease. Their dedication to honoring her memory through advocacy, research funding, and direct support to families battling brain cancer is truly inspiring. You can see the hope and purpose that drives them in everything they do.” -Madison Peyton, Sr. Account Executive - Medasource

This year, BrainUp hosted its annual 5K, its largest fundraising event, which reached a record attendance and raised over $750,000 for brain cancer research. As part of our Eight Eleven Foundation’s annual Day of Service, the Chicago market had the opportunity to assist with event setup and logistics. Contributing to an event that means so much to Madison’s family and the broader community was an incredibly rewarding experience and a meaningful way to support their mission to find a cure.

For this year’s E3 Day of Service, our San Francisco market supported Family House San Francisco, a nonprofit that provides free housing, meals, and community for families whose children are receiving treatment at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital. With the support of a donation from the Eight Eleven Foundation, the San Fran office hosted a baseball-themed Family Lunch, celebrating local spirit as the San Francisco Giants took the field that evening. During Family House San Francisco’s baseball-themed hosted lunch, its annual event providing comfort and support to families of children receiving treatment at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, Eight Eleven’s San Francisco office provided volunteers to serve lunch, interact with families, and manage all meal prep and cleanup for about 50 guests in honor of the Giants vs. Dodgers game.

“I submitted Family House because their mission deeply resonated with me. September was Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and while I can’t begin to imagine what these families endure, I got a glimpse of the emotional toll when my own daughter spent weeks in the NICU after she was born. I remember how hard it was to find a local place to stay and coordinate meals when all I wanted to do was focus on my child. Family House offers a true “home away from home,” easing those burdens and bringing comfort during unimaginably difficult times — something our entire office was excited to help support.” -Presley LeGrande, Sr. Account Executive - Medasource

CARE STL is recognized as a no-kill, open-admission shelter designated as a Best Friends partner, dedicated to saving and caring for the unwanted, abused, neglected, and homeless companion animals of the City of St. Louis. CARE STL aims to build a supportive community grounded in collaboration, compassion, and a caring approach to both people and animals.

“We love partnering with CARE STL, and it helps that almost all of us are pet owners ourselves! Not only does CARE STL provide an outlet for our interests, but they are a pillar within the community that we seek to grow with, as they've taken a firm stance as a No-Kill shelter since their beginning. Being a No-Kill shelter is something few other local shelters have committed to, so we want to spread awareness and increase visits to the CARE STL shelter.” -Logan LaPlant, Account Executive - Brooksource

Thanks to the Eight Eleven Foundation’s support, the St. Louis office was able to spend a day outdoors with dogs from the CARE STL adoption center. Prior to this group pack walk, the office learned about the unfortunate reality that many abandoned animals face and the importance of proper pet care and adoption services for their well-being. By providing these dogs time to experience exercise and affection, Logan hopes to have made a small but significant impact on their lives before adoption.