Our Mission - Live Like Hayes Foundation
At the Live Like Hayes Foundation, our mission is simple yet profound: to carry forward the legacy of Hayes by spreading love, kindness, and compassion to those in need. Guided by the values Hayes lived by, we aim to make the world a better place through meaningful acts of service, support for children and families, and initiatives that brighten the lives of others. Hayes had a deep and intuitive understanding of what it meant to care for others, and our foundation exists to ensure that his heart for service lives on.
Though Hayes stepped into Heaven on December 13, 2022, we believe his mission didn’t end that day—it became the next chapter in God’s plan for his life. Everything we do at the Live Like Hayes Foundation is rooted in the love Hayes shared with those around him, and we are committed to continuing his work by being the hands and feet of Jesus in the world.
Our Core Values
The work of the Live Like Hayes Foundation is grounded in the core values that shaped Hayes' life. These values guide every decision we make and every action we take:
Service to Others:
Hayes believed that serving others was an essential part of life, whether it was feeding the homeless, supporting children, or giving to those in need. Our foundation is committed to following in his footsteps by serving our local community and beyond, ensuring that those who are struggling receive the help they deserve.
Generosity and Compassion:
Generosity and compassion were at the heart of everything Hayes did. He believed in giving freely, whether it was his time, energy, or love. We carry that same spirit of generosity into the work we do today, always striving to help those who need it most.
Love and Kindness:
Hayes lived with an incredible heart for others, showing love and kindness in even the smallest moments. We strive to honor his memory by doing the same—whether it’s through providing for those in need, offering support to families, or simply brightening someone’s day.
Legacy of Hope:
Hayes' life and legacy remind us that even in the face of loss, there is hope. Through our work, we aim to provide that sense of hope to families, children, and individuals who are facing difficult circumstances, offering support and encouragement along the way.
Our Goals
Our ultimate goal is to keep Hayes’ legacy alive by making a lasting impact on the lives of others. Through our various initiatives, we aim to:
Provide Comfort to Families:
We know that the loss of a loved one is incredibly difficult, and our foundation aims to support families going through such a loss. The Live Like Hayes Bears program ensures that donor families in Louisiana receive a meaningful keepsake—a bear containing a recording of their loved one’s heartbeat. This small gesture provides a measure of comfort during an incredibly painful time.
Encourage Personal Growth and Development:
Through the Hero Hayes Jiu-Jitsu Scholarships, we provide children with opportunities to grow in confidence, discipline, and skill. Jiu-Jitsu was one of Hayes' passions, and we believe in offering children the chance to pursue their dreams through this scholarship program. We hope to expand this effort by offering additional scholarships for high school seniors in the future.
Support Children in Need:
Whether through the Live Like Hayes Toy Drive, the Hero Hayes Jiu-Jitsu Scholarships, or the distribution of blankets and backpacks to homeless children and families, we are committed to making a positive impact on the lives of children in our community and beyond. Hayes had a deep love for children, and our goal is to extend that love to as many as possible.
Help Those in Need:
Hayes believed in the power of helping others, whether near or far. Through our work with The Simple Project, we provide essential items like blankets and backpacks to the homeless, ensuring that those who are often forgotten receive care and support. We are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of those who need it most, one small act of kindness at a time.
