Mike Colaillo, WWII Medal of Honor Recipient passes away at 86

We are sadden by the loss of Minnesota's last living Medal of Honor Recipients, Mike Colalillo.  In 2005, Brian's Foundation established the Mike Colalillo Scholarship of Honor at Denfeld High School in Duluth, MN.

Mike Colalillo holding the Scholarship of Honor Medal in  2005

Mike graduated from Denfeld High School in 1944. One year later, while serving in World War II, Colalillo went above and beyond the call of duty leading his men on an attack against enemy forces in Germany. In the face of savage artillery, machinegun fire, and almost certain death, he was committed to protecting others on the battlefield, and our freedoms here at home. President Truman presented Colalillo the Medal of Honor on December 18, 1945.

Mike with Guy and Karen Smith, good friends of Mike's and sponsor of the
Mike Colalillo Scholarship of Honor at Denfeld High School

He was a wonderful, humble man who will be missed by his community and his country.

A big year ahead..

‎2012 marks the 20th year of the Brian LaViolette Foundation! We will be awarding 5 new scholarships this spring in Iowa, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin and the Czech Republic. It's going to be a exciting year!

More updates to follow..

'What's Right with America" on 11.11.11

On 11.11.11, Brian's Foundation's event, "What's Right with America" reassured everyone in attendance that there is hope...there is good. Enjoy the following photos by Kim Klein.

Ben Fischl, 2008 Brian LaViolette Scholarship recipient came from Air Force Academy in Colorado to join us.

Mrs. Bradley, John Bradley's wife was the first to be escorted by Navy Chief Joel Stewart.  John Bradley will always be remembered for helping raise the flag on Iwo Jima, but his greatest accomplishment during WWII was saving the lives of combat Marines, for which he received the Navy Cross.

The LaViolette's with Green Bay Packers, Donald Driver. He was our first "Brian LaViolette Spirit Award" recipient for his work in our community and his foundation who help and inspire  the homeless.

USMC Sgt Alvin Dupree blessed the dinner and our evening

Tyler Hopkins, our first Scholarship of Honor Recipient in 2004.  He had returned from Afghanistan just weeks before and came from Louisiana. 

Brian LaViolette Spirit Award Recipient, George Patton Waters, General Patton's Grandson signs a portrait by Hollywood Artist Nicolosi, of his Grandfather

Nick Del Calzo, creator and photographer of the Medal of Honor Portraits of Valor.  He was another recipient of the Brian LaViolette Spirit Award for his work in Literature. 

Hollywood Artist, Nicolosi with his original works of art done just for the 11.11.11 auction

The powerful and talented Great American Orchestra and Vocal Ensemble

Our hard working volunteers at Check in and Registration

Zach Sites, 2007 Eric McColley Scholarship of Honor Recipient from Gettysburg, PA received the Brian LaViolette Spirit Award and spoke of how Brian's Foundation has helped him through the years.

We can't thank everyone who was involved to make 'What's Right with America' a night to remember!

Packers Donald Driver to Receive ‘Spirit Award’ on 11.11.11

We are proud to announce that the Green Bay Packers' Donald Driver (#80) will receive our first ever Brian LaViolette Spirit Award the night of 11.11.11!! Donald was chosen for his tireless work in helping the homeless, inspiring students and supporting community organizations and causes.


Donald Driver is one of those individuals who started with nothing and has worked hard to better not only his life but the lives of so many around him and we think he is the perfect choice for the Spirit Award.

Like all Packers fans worldwide, we are proud of Donald's great accomplishments on the field, but more importantly he was selected for the qualities he demonstrates off the field……his strength of character, perseverance, hard work, dedication, love of family and community spirit.

Other honorees have been selected in the fields of philanthropy, literature and community service and will be recognized during this historic evening.

If you'd like to be there to witness Donald Driver receiving the Brian LaViolette Spirit Award, please contact us at 920-655-4098 for ticket information.

Want to wear a tux to our event on 11.11.11?

Thanks to Dubois Formalwear, you can attend 11.11.11 in a tux at a discounted price!  They are offering a tux rental, including shoes for only $50 for our guest.  
Gold Star Families will receive their tuxes at no charge!!  Please call 920-437-9231 for more details or visit their website :  Dubois Formalwear