The 2650 Foundation

06/05/2026

One of the ways we are giving back during our 15 Days of Hope campaign is by providing meals to the hardworking firefighters serving the Apopka community. These men and women spend countless hours away from their families to protect ours, and we want to show them some appreciation.

If you or your business would like to help by sponsoring, buying, or making a meal for a crew, we would love to hear from you!

Please email us at [email protected] or send us a message on Facebook or Instagram to get involved.

Thank you for helping us support those who are always there for our community.

06/01/2026

The 2650 Foundation is proud to officially announce the upcoming Fifteen Days of Hope, beginning on June 30th. Over these 15 days, we will honor Austin’s memory by spreading kindness, supporting our community, and continuing conversations surrounding mental health, hope, and healing.

We are excited to already have a few events scheduled and look forward to sharing even more opportunities to get involved:

A Quiet Tribute — Open for anyone who would like to stop by, reflect, and honor Austin in their own way.
June 30th
All day

Chipotle Fundraiser
July 8th
4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Duran: 2650 hosted by The Oak Community
https://www.theoakcommunity.com/duran2650
July 11th
7:00 AM

If you would like to get involved, host your own fundraiser, sponsor an event, or support the Fifteen Days of Hope in any way, we would love to hear from you. Please contact us at [email protected] or send us a message on Facebook or Instagram.

Thank you to everyone supporting the mission of The 2650 Foundation and helping us continue spreading hope, awareness, and compassion. More events and ways to get involved will be announced throughout the Fifteen Days of Hope.

05/25/2026

Today, we pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Their courage and service will never be forgotten.

Memorial Day also holds an even more personal meaning for us, as today is Austin’s birthday. While we celebrate the life and impact he had on so many, we also continue to carry forward his legacy.

Today, we remember heroes in every sense of the word.

05/15/2026

We’re proud to recognize Cooper, an Apopka Fire Explorer, as a recipient of the Austin Duran EMT Scholarship.

Cooper has already shown a strong commitment to serving his community through the explorer program, and we’re excited to support him as he continues pursuing a future in emergency services. This scholarship was created to help passionate and driven individuals like Cooper take the next step toward their goals.

A special thank you to First Response Training Group for providing the program and helping make opportunities like this possible.

Congratulations, Cooper — we’re excited to see all that’s ahead for you.

05/13/2026

At The 2650 Foundation, we are proud advocates for mental health awareness — especially within the fire service and first responder community. We know the weight that can come with this job, and we believe no one should have to carry it alone.

That’s why we want to highlight TheBench988 and the incredible message behind it. Sometimes all it takes is a conversation, a check-in, or a reminder that help is available.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out. There is strength in asking for help.

Resources available:
• Call or text 988 anytime
• TheBench988
• UCF RESTORES-Trauma Therapy Program
• International Association of Fire Fighters
• Orlando Firefighters Peer Support Team
• the2650foundation.org/resources

'The Bench 988' is a space for those who may be struggling and seeking support.

05/10/2026

Today, on Mother’s Day, we want to recognize one of the strongest women behind The 2650 Foundation — Austin’s mom.

Through unimaginable loss, she continues to lead with strength, love, and purpose. Her support, resilience, and dedication are a huge part of why this foundation exists and why Austin’s legacy continues to impact so many lives.

Thank you for being the heart behind so much of what we do.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms, especially those carrying both love and loss today.

05/05/2026

We’re proud to recognize Hayden Smith, as a recipient of the Austin Duran EMT Scholarship.

Hayden represents the next generation — driven, compassionate, and ready to step up and serve others. This scholarship was created to support individuals just like her as they begin their journey in emergency services.

A special thank you to First Response Training Group for helping make opportunities like this possible.

We can’t wait to see the impact Hayden will make. Congratulations, Hayden — we’re behind you every step of the way.

05/04/2026

Today, on International Firefighters’ Day, we honor the men and women who answer the call—no matter the cost.

We remember Austin and every firefighter who has given everything for their community. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Take a moment today to thank a firefighter.

05/01/2026

May 1st marks the start of Mental Health Awareness Month.

In this job, you’re used to carrying a lot, long shifts, tough calls, things most people never see. But you don’t have to carry it all by yourself.

This month, we stand with our firefighters and their families in prioritizing mental health — breaking the stigma, starting conversations, and reminding each other that asking for help is a sign of strength.

If you or someone you know is struggling, there are resources available:
International Association of Fire Fighters
UCF RESTORES-Trauma Therapy Program
Orlando Firefighters Peer Support Team

04/29/2026

We have some exciting news coming your way.
In the next few weeks, we’ll be announcing and awarding scholarships to some truly deserving individuals.

It’s hard not to think back to where it all started—with John Paul and Dominic, our first two recipients, who continue to represent the heart behind this foundation.

We can’t wait to share what’s next. Stay tuned.