MARQUETTE — Honor Credit Union has announced it is partnering with local car dealerships to donate to the Ben Lauren Memorial Foundation. The foundation was created in honor of Forsyth Township Fire Department Capt. Ben Lauren, who was killed at age 23 in the line of duty on March 13 while battling a structure fire.

Lauren was a “young man with a captivating character and strong moral responsibility,” and the foundation was created to “to keep his memory living on in the community,” a press release from Honor Credit Union states.

“Ben was a special son, firefighter and helpful person to those in his community,” Ron Lauren, father of Ben Lauren and president of Honor Holdings LLC and Investment Services, said in the release. “He was able to touch and help so many individuals throughout his young life, and we wanted to create a foundation to continue his legacy and passion of helping others and so that his memory and spirit live on forever.”

The foundation plans to provide educational grants for one graduating senior from Gwinn Area High School with plans of obtaining a secondary degree with a medical or engineering focus, as well as an engineering student enrolled at Northern Michigan University, according to the release.

In addition, the foundation will provide monetary support and grants to local youth livestock and 4-H programs, local first responders, and other requested and reviewed grants to those in need.

To assist in raising money for the foundation, KC Bjorne, Honor’s indirect representative, has partnered with local dealerships to donate $100 for each vehicle financed through Honor Credit Union between now and June 30 at participating dealerships, with Honor Credit Union matching all donations up to $5,000.

Participating dealerships include:

≤ Jon’s Auto of Marquette

≤ Fox Negaunee GM

≤ Fox Negaunee Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram

≤ Fox Marquette Ford/Subaru

≤ Fox Marquette Chevy

≤ Marthaler Cadillac of Marquette

≤ Reds Auto of Ironwood

≤ Riverside Marquette-Toyota, Honda & Nissan

Although Ben’s death was tragic and shocking to our small community, the Lauren family hopes that the Ben Lauren Memorial Foundation will bring light to his legacy and passion for helping others.

To donate to the Ben Lauren Memorial Foundation, call Honor Credit Union at 800-442-2800 or stop by an Honor Credit Union location in Marquette, Gwinn, and Negaunee where a team member will assist with arranging the donation.

For more information, call 800-442-2800 or visit www.honorcu. com.