Bryan Bros. Foundation

“It was very impressive and heartwarming to see our community rally together around Jimmy’s legacy and step up to continue his enthusiasm for kids,” says Allen M. Bryan Jr., executive director of the Bryan Brothers Foundation. “I remember several of our vendors with Bryan and Sons and Jimmy’s friends telling me that whatever we needed to get the foundation going, they would be willing to help.”

“What made Jimmy so special was he was truly close with everybody in the community, always said hello and had great stories to tell,” he added.

With the passing of Jimmy’s brothers, Allen Sr., Billy and Kenny, between 2004 and 2011, the foundation’s board elected to change the name to the Bryan Brothers “Building Dreams for Youth” Foundation to commemorate all four brothers and their impact on the community.

“It was a tragedy to lose all of them so soon,” said board member Sharon Poore. “As a group, we decided to change the name so the Bryan family would have a legacy and continue to have a positive impact in the community. Allen Sr., Billy and Kenny did a lot for Jimmy’s foundation when it was established, so it was only natural to honor all of them in the same way.”

In its 20-year history, the foun- dation has provided more than $1.4 million in grants to local community organizations that shape the minds of “Shore Kids,” as the organization often refers to them.

“We have been able to step up and help a lot of other nonprofits in our area in the last 20 years,” remarked Allen Jr. “I remember one year we had a grant request come in from a little league that needed to buy bats or they couldn’t have a season. Little League of America changed its rules, and this group couldn’t afford to buy the whole league new bats. We were able to help, which was a great feeling.

“It’s those types of situations in which Jimmy, my father and his brothers would have gladly helped out. And it’s great to see our community support us at our event every year so we can continue to help groups like that.”

Each year, the foundation brings the community together at its Annual Spring Event for a night of food, drink and fun to celebrate Shore Kids. The evening is highlighted by a live auction with a professional auctioneer who excites the crowd to show their support for local youth.

This year will mark the Bryan Brothers Foundation’s 20th and final Spring Event as it closes in on the goal of reaching $2 million in the endowment so the organization can provide grants in perpetuity.

“We are extremely excited about

Bryan Bros. Foundation this year’s event and what it means for us, for the kids and for their future,” said foundation board member Josh Johnson. “We have the opportunity to provide ongoing support for years to come, and it’s all thanks to this community, including the businesses that donate each year.

“All four of them [Jimmy, Billy, Allen Sr. and Kenny] were good friends of mine for many years, and being a part of this group has been a great way to honor them and their legacy,” Johnson added.

Most of the foundation’s events have been held at The Oaks in Royal Oak. This year, however, the foundation has decided to expand its final event and move it to a large warehouse in Easton, provided by Scott and Tracey Wagner. The finale will feature music by The Exceptions Band of Atlantic City, New