At Rathbun Insurance, we believe that being there matters most. That belief extends beyond helping our clients protect what matters to them. It also means supporting organizations that make a meaningful difference in the lives of families throughout our community.
We were honored to sponsor this year's Ele's Race 5K Run/Walk in support of Ele's Place Capital Region, an organization that provides grief support to children, teens, and their families after the death of someone they love.
Our CEO, Ben Rathbun, participated in the race and said afterward: "Ele's Race is one of my favorite days of the year. ❤️"
For Ben, this event is deeply personal.
Eleven years ago, he began volunteering with Ele's Place Capital Region. Today, he has the privilege of serving as Vice Chair of the Capital Region Community Board and as a member of the organization's Governing Board. Each year, participating in Ele's Race is also an opportunity to remember his father, Paul Rathbun, Rathbun Insurance's second-generation owner. Honoring Paul's memory while supporting children and families navigating grief serves as a powerful reminder of why Ele's Place's mission is so important.
Ele's Place was founded in 1991 after Betsy and Woody Stover experienced the heartbreaking loss of their 11-month-old daughter, Helen Louise Snow Stover, affectionately known as "Ele." What began in the basement of a church has grown into an organization serving communities across Michigan for more than three decades. Today, Ele's Place continues to provide a safe, supportive environment where grieving children and families can find hope, healing, and connection.
Ele's Race is more than a 5K. It is a celebration of resilience, remembrance, and community. Every participant, volunteer, sponsor, and donor helps ensure that children experiencing one of life's most difficult challenges receive the support they deserve.
We are incredibly grateful to everyone who came out to walk, run, volunteer, or cheer from the sidelines. Your support helps strengthen an organization that changes lives every single day.
Thank you to Ele's Place for the work you do and for allowing Rathbun Insurance to be part of such a meaningful event. We are proud to support your mission and look forward to continuing our partnership for years to come.
Because when our community comes together, healing happens. At Rathbun Insurance, we are proud to support organizations like Ele's Place that remind us all of the power of compassion, connection, and being there when it matters most.