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WELCOME
The Ryan Stevens Fund for Life is a certified 501(c)(3) organization founded in loving memory of Ryan Stevens: whose love for music, life, dobermans, diving, and laughter carries on in all of us. Ryan passed suddenly in 2003. The foundation is run by an amazing board of family and friends still devoted to the beam of light that was lost, but not forgotten.
THE FUND
Ryan was a graduate of The Ohio State University and was an entrepreneur and avid athlete with a love for dogs, especially dobermans. Ryan worked with his father, Dick Stevens, to establish The Elevator Brewery & Draught House in downtown Columbus, Ohio. He also built two food trucks from the ground up: The Burrito Bago and Za Bago, which frequented many music and community events across the United States. By his side were his trusted and loyal doberman companions, Cassidy and Emma Lou.
Currently, we are partnering with Pilot Dogs with an annual goal of sponsoring a service dog for the visually impaired.
LIFE OF RYAN
Ryan in the Burrito Bago.
Ryan in the Burrito Bago.
OUR
DONORS
We greatly appreciate everyone who has donated so far. Thank you for helping us honor Ryan's memory by making a difference.
Jason Goldberg • Chris Bauer • Ross Tague
Jen Bensch • Dana Bromberg • Dick Stevens
Mark Talis • Lis McNealey Davies • Andy Robinson
Gordon's Gourmet • Mark Weisenburger
Adam & Erika Robins • Amy & Drew Stark • Brad May
Brandy Goldberg • Cary Romanoff • David Yenkin
Amy & Chad Eddy • Erin Connor • Jenny Mcferin
Julie Kuhn & John Ranft • Kevin & Julie Larrimer
Laura Madland • Mickey Goldberg • Rebecca Osman
Mike & Hilary Talis • Sarah Bauer
OUR BOARD & TEAM
After Ryan successfully launched his Burrito Bago business, we opened the Elevator Brewing Co. in Marysville in 1999 and the Elevator Brewery & Draught Haus restaurant in downtown Columbus in 2000. After Ryan’s untimely death in 2003 I continue to operate these companies to honor him. In 2015 Jennifer Bensch (Doane) and I started this fund to further honor the life of this wonderful, loving, crazy soul who touched so many other lives.
– Dick Stevens, Ryan's Father
PAST PILOT DOG RECIPIENTS
We try to sponsor dobermans whenever possible, but some years there are no doberman Pilot Dog candidates. We still make sure to fund a Pilot Dog each year, regardless of breeds available. Click to see each recipient's bio.
Renee resides in Michigan with her husband and son. She works as an Industrial Engineer at GM. She is an active leader at work and in her community. She serves on her community Cultural Awareness Committee, is an advocate for people with disabilities at GM, and is very involved with her church. This is her first Pilot Dog but she's had Dobermans as pets in the past.
Bill resides in Montrose, Colorado with his wife, two children, two dogs and two cats. Bill is a Medicare Insurance Sales Agent. This is Bill's second Pilot Dog.
Truie resides in Cincinnati, Ohio with her husband. This is her 7th Pilot Dogs and she has been a very active member of the Pilot Dogs Alumni Association. She served as treasurer and editor of the newsletter for many years.
Chuck Resides in Springfield, MO with his wife and retired Doberman. Chuck has been a longtime Pilot Dog Doberman user and is a Veteran. Thank you for your service, Chuck!
Jesi was matched with Pilot Dog Rose. Rose is her 1st guide dog and 1st golden retriever. Jesi was adopted from Guatemala at 10 months old and lost her vision during birth as a result of 3 prenatal strokes. She has a master’s degree in Exercise Science and Physical Education, and her goal is to help special-needs students with fitness. Her hobbies include exercising, vacationing, fishing, hiking, and playing with her dogs (she is a 5-time Doberman owner!)
DONATE
If you would like to donate appreciated stock, please call Michelle Steinhaus at (614)-388-8797