NEWS
Added Stories Section
10.26.09 - 04:43 PM
I'm sure most of you remember John Foster's forum board he setup for us after Ian's passing. I'm extremely grateful to John for doing this for the stories posted here are near and dear to a lot of us. Unfortunately the site's been under attack by a lot of spamming. I'm proud to announce that I've successfully migrated the stories into a new section on IanKortbek.com, appropriately titled "Stories". See the Stories.-Eddie
Branching Out
10.25.09 - 02:27 PM
The following is a letter to the editor that Parker and myself submitted in last weeks Block Island Times. We're both extremely excited to start branching out the Dream Big foundation by helping others in similar situations that could use the knowledge we've gained through all of our Dream Big projects. Our goals aren't modest, and our expectations are drawing way beyond the realm of skateboarding and becoming a mission of improving the lives of others through parks and recreation.
Personally, I think about Ian everyday, and certain things that remind me of the great times we had together, but today in particular, the 7th anniversary of his passing, I'm flooded with ideas about where to take the Dream Big Foundation next. I take comfort in knowing that Ian's up there and smiling, and pushing us to keep the big dream alive.
Dear Editor,
We would like to extend our deepest thanks to everyone who helped make this past summer's 3rd annual Dream Big Fundraiser another huge success. We were able to raise enough money to support three important endeavors for The Ian Korbek Fund.
We are currently planning to refurbish the Ian Kortbek Memorial Skatepark, which is starting to show signs of wear and tear from the countless people who have enjoyed using the park. Now that the summer crowds have slowed down, a few days will be set aside to restore and repaint some of the park's equipment.
As always, the Ian Kortbek Fund will continue to support the Ian Kortbek Memorial Scholarship. This past year a thousand dollar scholarship was awarded to a graduating senior from the Block Island School. We encourage all seniors at the Block Island School to apply for this scholarship, and remind them that this particular grant is not only for college or university tuition, but can be used for any pursuit of further education.
Finally, last year it was brought to our attention that a family in Georgia was heading a skatepark project, Robbie's Dream, in honor of their late son Robbie. Today they've secured land from their town and are in the final steps of making their memorial skatepark a reality. The Ian Korbek Fund was honored to contribute to Robbie's Dream, and will continue to collaborate with Robbie's family throughout the project. This marks a new direction for the Ian Kortbek Fund that spans beyond the shores of Block Island, touching the lives of kids across the country.
Our sincerest thanks to all the members of Block Island community, and all the contributors to the Ian Kortbek Fund, for all your help and support of the Ian Kortbek Fund, we know that without you none of this would be possible.
To learn more about the Ian Kortbek Fund, visit our website at http://www.IanKortbek.com.
Sincerely,
Eddie Stover
President, Dream Big
Parker Lacoste
Vice President, Dream Big
-Eddie
Dream Big is getting bigger
10.25.08 - 01:14 PM
Each one of us has a different way of remembering Ian. Some of us hold onto pictures, letters, tshirts, and even skateboards, anything that reminds us of the friend we loved and miss. Today I'm thinking back to all the ridiculous days we had in high school, usually followed by even more ridiculous nights. Ridiculous was a good word to describe anytime you spent with Ian. Most the time you'd end up doing something that surprised even yourself. This time of year is always littered with mixed emotions. The carefree and laziness of the summer has past, and the chill of winter is on the horizon.
It's been a great year, the charity we've created in honor of Ian is starting to really take off. Our fund raising has matured, along with us and our ideas of how to use Ian's name to do great things for the Block Island (and Rhode Island) community. To anyone who has helped us in any way to get to where we are today with the Dream Big Foundation; from the behind the scenes work, to those who donated and sport their dream big bracelet, and anyone in between, I know I speak for Parker and everyone else involved in the foundation when I say thank you. And I can't wait till we all can get together again next summer, be safe till then.
-Eddie
Remembrance and Reflection
10.25.07 - 11:54 AM
Today is a day of remembrance and reflection. Remembering the great times we all had with Ian when he was with us just 5 short years ago, and reflecting on how successful this summer was in raising funds for the Ian Kortbek Fund.
The "Dream Big Party Weekend" held at the Yellow Kittens Tavern this past August helped raise enough money to allow us the ability to accomplish some of the goals we've set out to do with "Dream Big". Skateboard giveaways, scholarships, events, and more, all coming soon from "Dream Big" and the Ian Kortbek Fund.
Keep an eye out for our placement in mags and newspapers around RI, and remember to always Dream Big.
Ian, you're always in our hearts.
-Eddie
Bracelets Have Been Ordered
03.15.07 - 09:23 AM
2500 Dream Big bracelets have been ordered and should arrive on the island this spring. Keep an eye out in stores and check back here for confirmation on who's carrying them, and availability. Also, where cookin up T-shirts and possibly skate decks in the near future.
-Eddie
A Personal Note
10.25.06 - 11:49 AM
It's hard to believe that it's been 4 years since we lost Ian. The expression "it feels like yesterday" is thrown around a lot, but has never rang so true to me than today. Thinking back makes me very appreciative of the time we all had together on our island. Ian we miss your laughter and friendship and know you were with each of us this summer.
I'm especially proud today of the Dream Big foundation for such a successful summer of bracelet sales and fund raiser parties, raising lots of funds for more bracelets. We are going strong and keeping Ian's, and all of our big dreams alive. Keep an eye out for news on the new summer "Big Block Party Weekend", to benefit the Ian Kortbek Fund, with live music and giveaways. Summer's only a few months away... you ready?
-Eddie
The Bracelets are Available
06.21.06 - 05:27 AM
The "Dream Big" bracelets are now available at the Shoreline and the Block Island Sport Shop (more stores soon), on Block Island. Stop in and pick one up, all proceeds to benefit the Ian Kortbek Fund.
-Eddie
Summer is almost here
04.10.06 - 03:32 AM
Summer is almost here which means that soon the Island will be packed with people and all the downtown stores will be opening up again. When shopping around town keep an eye out for the Dream Big IAK bracelets which will be available at select stores. A list of stores will be shown on this site once it's been finalized, and in the near future bracelets will be sold here as well. More updates soon to come.
-Eddie
New Site Launch
04.03.06 - 04:57 AM
This is the new format for our new site. Soon we'll have events information and products available here. This site will be coming together over the next few months so stayed tuned.