The Full Story
About
The I Am Kept Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded and established in honor and loving memory of Graham E. Hayes, II, by his wife Jennifer M. Hayes, and their children Graham E. Hayes, III, Jasmine M. Hayes, and Zoe J. Hayes. Graham II, also affectionately known as “Eddie”. Mr. Hayes was tragically taken from his family without reason in 2011.
At the time of Mr. Hayes’ death, their children were in the 12th grade (17 years old), 10 grade (15 years old), and 7th grade (12 years old), respectively. After having to start a journey of dealing with and coping with life after the tragic loss of a loved one, the Hayes family wants to help others who are unfortunately in a similar situation by providing scholarships and support to students who have lost a parent due to death.
OUR WHY
Graham E. Hayes II Memorial Scholarship
Graham E. Hayes, II, also, affectionately known as “Eddie” was a loving husband, father, son, brother, cousin, nephew, Uncle, and friend to many. He was always full of life and lived life to the fullest. He was passionate about and excelled at everything he did from sports to business. He had a true entrepreneurial spirit and started several successful businesses. And with his wife in law school and/or working, it was not unusual for Eddie to take the three children to the office with him and to see him holding a baby or one of the children sleeping in a swing or a stroller while he was conducting business. Eddie was a good-natured person who enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, hunting, fishing, and relaxing while listening to country music or watching a good action movie.
Everyone who knew Eddie found him to be a kind, loving, jovial person, with a big heart. He truly believed in trying to help those less fortunate and went out of his way to do just that. He was a humble man who did not speak much about his accomplishments, particularly in sports, because he felt there were more important things in life, such as an education, which is something that he tried to instill in his children. His children were in the 7th,10th, and 12th grades when he was tragically taken from them. He would have wanted them to keep going and they did. In his honor and as we know he would do we want to help youth and young adults who have lost a parent keep going.