Annual day of giving on August 8 supports scholarships, strengthens the community, and carries forward a legacy of faith, service, and opportunity.
The Collins Strong Foundation is inviting the community to participate in Collins 8 Day, its annual day of giving held each year on August 8 in honor of Waylon Collins and his baseball jersey number, #8.
What began as a way for Waylon’s baseball team to honor Waylon’s memory has grown into an annual tradition of giving that supports students, serves the community, and carries the Collins family’s legacy forward.
The Collins Strong Foundation was established in memory of Mark Collins, Waylon Collins, Carson Collins, Hudson Collins, and Bryson Collins following the tragic events of 2022. Built on the pillars of faith, community, and education, the Foundation exists to honor their lives by investing in students, serving the community, and creating opportunities through scholarships, community events, acts of service, and meaningful partnerships.
Collins 8 Day reflects that mission. Each year, families, friends, businesses, and supporters come together to fund scholarships, support community initiatives, and invest in the next generation. Every donation helps the Foundation continue honoring the Collins family’s legacy by creating opportunities for students and serving the community.
This year’s Collins 8 Day campaign will also recognize the Foundation’s newest scholarship recipients, highlighting the students whose educational journeys have been made possible through the generosity of donors and supporters.
2026 Collins Strong Foundation Scholarship Recipients
● Lane Artze – 2024–2025 Scholarship recipient.
● Tianna Harden – 2024–2025 Legacy Scholarship recipient.
● Ruger Reeves – 2025–2026 Scholarship recipient.
● Kimberly “Madi” Lauzon – 2025–2026 Legacy Scholarship recipient
● Josue Orellana – 2025–2026 recipient of the Lone Star College Field of Dreams Scholarship in Honor of Mark Collins.
Since its founding, the Foundation has awarded scholarships to graduating high school seniors and trade school students, helping students pursue college, technical education, and career opportunities. Through scholarships, community events, and acts of service, the Foundation continues to invest in young people while encouraging others to serve their communities with purpose and compassion.
“The support we’ve received from this community has allowed us to honor Waylon and our family in ways we never could have imagined,” said Heidi Hansen. “Every donation helps us invest in students and create opportunities for young people to pursue their dreams. Seeing that legacy continue is what Collins 8 Day is all about.”
This year’s campaign encourages supporters to Recruit Your 8 by donating $8, or any increment of eight, and inviting eight friends, family members, coworkers, or neighbors to do the same. Together, those individual acts of generosity help create opportunities for students and strengthen the Foundation’s ability to serve the community.
Ways to Participate in Collins 8 Day
● Donate on August 8 or throughout the campaign.
● Recruit eight teammates in your life, friends, family members, or coworkers to participate.
● Share the Collins 8 Day campaign on social media.
● Become a sponsor or community partner.
● Follow the Collins Strong Foundation and help spread its mission.
Every contribution directly supports scholarships, community initiatives, and the Foundation’s ongoing work.
For more information about Collins 8 Day, to make a donation, or to learn more about the Foundation’s mission, visit CollinsStrong.org and follow the Collins Strong Foundation on social media.
On August 8, the Foundation invites everyone to Recruit Your 8 and join in carrying the Collins family’s legacy forward, one student and one opportunity at a time.
About the Collins Strong Foundation
The Collins Strong Foundation was established in memory of Mark Collins, Waylon Collins, Carson Collins, Hudson Collins, and Bryson Collins following the tragic events of 2022.
Built on the pillars of faith, community, and education, the Foundation honors their memory by turning tragedy into purpose. Through scholarships, community events, acts of service, and meaningful partnerships, the Foundation invests in students, strengthens the community, and creates opportunities for future generations. Today, the Collins Strong Foundation carries their legacy forward by inspiring hope, unity, and strength through service to others.
