Mission Statement - The 216 Foundation was created to raise money to find a cure for diabetes.
““I created The 216 Foundation with a desire to make a difference. Diabetes is very prevalent in my family, and I wanted to do something to find a cure. My focus with the organization is to raise capital to fund scientists in their research. This is essentially accomplished with upscale events and through recurring revenue via electronic donations. I never dreamt in a million years that the foundation could be so much work, yet so rewarding.””
The Origin Of 216
When Eric was in the basic training he was in room number “216”. He and the other seven soldiers in his room decided on the first night that they would all stick together to make it to graduation. With nothing else binding them except for the fact that they all slept in the same room at night they would gather by asking, “Where is 216?!” If one of the soldiers got into trouble and was told to drop and do pushups, the other seven would join him. As other soldiers witnessed how inseparable these eight men were and how the drill instructors could never just pick on one private at a time, others, eventually started joining in. Instead of one soldier doing pushups it was 10, then 15, then 30 and so on. Before long the entire company was known as “216″. The drill sergeants had never seen anything like it. Eric continues to use the numbers “216” as a motivational force in his life and thus naming the foundation The 216 Foundation was a no brainer.
The 216 Foundation was formed in memory of Norma Adkins and in Honor of Ryan Smolenski
Norma Adkins
Ryan Smolenski