A Life
Remembered.
A Legacy
Moving
Forward.
Benjamin M. Banks Jr. was a vibrant 10-year-old who lived with joy, enthusiasm, and an unshakable love for life — especially cars. His spirit continues through everything the foundation does.
Scroll
April 1, 2007
Ben’s Birthday
10
Years old, full of life
2021
Foundations Founding
100,000
Toys shared in his memory
3+
Projects honoring Ben
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
Ben’s Story
A LIFE FILLED WITH JOY, CARS, FRIENDSHIP, AND FUN.
Benjamin M. Banks Jr. was born on April 1, 2007, and spent his entire life in Chippewa Township, Beaver County. He attended school in the Blackhawk School District and was a vibrant, happy boy who brought light to all who knew him.
Ben faced many challenges — Autism/ADHD, high blood pressure, Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), and Liver Fibrosis — but never let those obstacles define him. On November 2, 2017, Ben suffered a massive brain aneurysm. For 23 courageous days, he fought with all his strength until his body could no longer hold on. He passed away peacefully on November 25, surrounded by the love of his parents — Marie and Ben, and his sister — Grace.
He especially loved cars. From the time he was a baby, he was fascinated by them — flipping through car books, magazines, and flyers, and growing his collection of toy cars. His passion grew into a hobby of reviewing toy cars on his YouTube channel, which later developed into something truly special: reviewing real cars for Beaver County Auto’s Facebook page.
“WHAT KIND OF CAR DO YOU DRIVE?”
— Ben’s signature question to everyone he met
In the aftermath of Ben’s passing, his family launched the Ben Banks Jr. Memorial Foundation. The foundation has grown to include many projects including the scholarship, a PKD medical trial, and Ben’s Toy Bins. And this is just the beginning.
“HOLD ON TO YOUR GUTS!”
— Ben’s catchphrase in all his car videos on his YouTube Channel.
Ben loved to play hard and have fun — and that legacy will always be the heart of everything the foundation accomplishes. Let’s play hard, live joyfully, and remember Lil Ben’s memory with love.
Ben’s Car Reviews
“HOLD ON TO
YOUR GUTS!”
Ben’s car reviews for Beaver County Auto was a dream come true – exploring brand-new cars, and sharing his absolute joy and high-octane energy with everyone, every ride-along comes with a warning. When Ben’s on board, you better ‘HOLD ONTO YOUR GUTS!‘”
Our Vision
THREE PROJECTS. ONE GOAL.
To honor the memory of Ben by spreading his love for toys, friendship, and fun.
STOP 1
BEN’S TOY BINS
Deliver toys, comfort, distraction, and moments of happiness to children receiving hospital and behavioral-health care.
STOP 2
BENJAMIN MARK BANKS, JR. MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Support students with special needs, or studying special education as they pursue trade school, two-year programs, four-year colleges, or other paths toward higher education.
STOP 3
BENJAMIN BANKS, JR. MEMORIAL RESEARCH FUND
Support research related to ARPKD, intracranial aneurysms, vascular abnormalities, and better care for children and young adults. So that no child has to face what Ben did.
Support The Foundation
HELP KEEP BEN’S LEGACY MOVING FORWARD.
Our support helps to fill Ben’s Toy Bins, give scholarships to students, advance meaningful research, and build joyful community experiences in Ben’s memory.
EVERY GIFT BECOMES PART OF THE JOURNEY.
