About the Foundation
Driven by Ben’s Legacy. Guided by Hope.
The Benjamin M. Banks Jr. Memorial Foundation was created to keep Ben’s joyful spirit alive — turning the things he loved most, cars, friendship, fun, and helping others, into opportunities that make a difference in the lives of others.
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April 2021
foundation founded
2007 – 2017
ten years of joy
beaver county
where it all started
501 © (3)
Non profit foundation
Trusted Partners & Supporters
REIGN 3D
CHIPPEWA AREA LIONS CLUB
STATE FARM – BETHANIE DELUCA
PUSH BEAVER COUNTY
EDWARD JONES – TYSON SMITH
BEAVER COUNTY AUTO
BOWSER HYUNDAI
JUMET CHARITABLE
JUMET CHARITABLE
JUMET CHARITABLE
JUMET CHARITABLE
JUMET CHARITABLE
JUMET CHARITABLE
Who We Are
A Foundation Built From Love, Memory, and Purpose.
The Benjamin M. Banks Jr. Memorial Foundation was founded in April 2021 by Ben’s parents, Marie and Benjamin Banks, alongside the friends and supporters who wanted to create something lasting in his memory.
Ben was only 10 years old when his life was tragically cut short in November 2017. But the impact he made during those ten years continues to inspire everything we do.
Ben had an incredible love for cars, toys, friendship, and simply having fun. He had a way of connecting with people and bringing excitement wherever he went. Today, our foundation carries that spirit forward by creating opportunities for children, students, families, and communities to experience hope, encouragement, and joy.
Founded
April 2021
Home Base
Beaver Falls, PA
Ben’s Story
A Little Boy With a Big Love for Life.
Benjamin M. Banks Jr. was born on April 1, 2007, and spent his life in Chippewa Township, Beaver County. He was a vibrant and happy boy who brought light to the people around him.
Ben especially loved cars. From flipping through car books and magazines to collecting toy cars and reviewing them, his passion was something he loved sharing with everyone around him.
His enthusiasm eventually led him to review real cars for Beaver County Auto’s Facebook page — a dream opportunity that let him explore new vehicles and share his excitement with others. Ben’s life was brief, but his joy was enormous. His family and friends chose to transform that love into a legacy that could continue helping others.
“WHAT KIND OF CAR DO YOU DRIVE?”
Ben’s signature questions to everyone he met.
“HOLD ON TO YOUR GUTS!”
-Ben’s catchphrase in all his car video’s on his Youtube channel
05
Milestones
The Journey So Far
Our history is told as a road trip: every milestone is a stop along the route,
marked like the highway signs, motel plaques, and mile markers of a classic
American drive.
Follow the yellow line ↓
…and tomorrow is bright.
His Playbook
What Ben Taught Us
Four rules of the road, straight from a ten-year-old who lived them every single day.
STOP 1
Play Hard
Life is meant to be experienced with energy, curiosity, and joy.
STOP 2
Love People
The relationships we build can leave an impact that lasts far beyond our own lives.
Rule 3
Give Back
Small acts of kindness become something much bigger when a community comes together.
STOP 4
Keep Moving Forward
Even through difficult moments, hope gives us a reason to keep going.
Our Impact
Turning Ben’s Legacy Into Real-World Impact.
Every donation, volunteer, fundraiser, and partnership helps us turn remembrance into action.
From putting a new toy into a child’s hands to helping a student pursue their education or supporting medical research, your support allows Ben’s legacy to keep reaching people who need hope, encouragement, and opportunity.
$250,000
Ben Banks Jr Scholarship
at Blackhawk H.S.
$100,000+
Ben’s Toy Bins UPMC Children’s
Hospital of Pittsburgh
1000’s
LIVES IMPACTED
500+
Volunteers
on the road with us
1
Projects honoring Ben
Our Team
The People Behind the Mission
Ben’s legacy is carried forward by a family and a community who believe his story can keep making a difference.
Featured
Marie & Benjamin Banks
Ben’s Mom & Dad · Foundation Directors
Ben’s parents founded the foundation in April 2021 and still lead every project it takes on — from filling toy bins by hand to reviewing scholarship applications each spring.
Marie Banks
Executive Director
Production Assistant at Standard Horse Nail – Ben’s Mom.
Ben Banks Sr.
Board President
VP of Purchasing and partial owner at Standard Horse Nail – Ben’s Dad.
Grace Banks
Consultant
Student at Slippery Rock University Majoring in special education – Ben’s Big sister.
Jessa Egger
Board Member
Special Education Teacher at Watson – Ben Jr’s childhood Babysitter.
Addie Young
Board Member
Blackhawk H.S. teacher, and student council sponsor.
Nicole Rodgers
Consultant
Hopewell Middle School Counselor · Ben Jr.’s “Miss Nikki”
William Rodgers
Board Member
GM, Beaver County Auto · Ben Jr.’s “Mr. Bill”
Amy Cienkowski
Board Member
Third Grade Teacher · Ben Jr.’s “Mrs. Cienkowski”
Why It Matters
We Don’t Just Pass the Torch. We Keep Ben’s Light Burning.
We Don’t Just Pass the Torch. We Keep Ben’s Light Burning.
With every child who receives a toy, every student who receives a scholarship, every family touched by our work, and every person who chooses to remember Ben with us, his legacy moves forward.
A toy in a child’s hands
Delivered bedside, chosen by the child, on their hardest days.
A student’s next chapter
Scholarships for graduates heading toward whatever comes next.
Hope for a family like ours
Research funding for the conditions that took Ben from us.
Support The Foundation
FUEL HOPE FOR
KIDS AND FAMILIES
Your contribution delivers joy directly to patients at the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh through Ben’s Toy Bins.
