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Impact through purposeful action

The promises we keep today lay the foundation for tomorrow — the journey starts now.

latest impact posts

My Mock Death Is Today – The Kindest Thing I Do for My Family

A reflective look at my annual “mock death” tradition—an act of love that prepares my family, business, and legacy for the future with clarity, planning, and peace.

CCDI students and alumni participating in hands-on learning activities at North Tech High School during Saturday Academy in Florissant, Missouri.

Building Futures Together: CCDI Alumni Lead the Way at Saturday Academy

CCDI’s Saturday Academy at North Tech High School brought together over 65 students, alumni, and industry partners for a hands-on learning day. Alumni now working with Clayco subcontractors returned to mentor the next generation—demonstrating how the CCDI community continues to build lasting change across our trades and communities.

Graphic displaying the acronym RVCL, which stands for Retinal Vasculopathy with Cerebral Leukoencephalopathy, on a gradient background of pink and blue, representing awareness and advocacy for this rare genetic disease.

Turning Loss Into Hope — A Breakthrough in RVCL Research

A heartfelt story of love, loss, and hope—how Ellen’s battle with RVCL inspired a lifelong mission to fund research, advocacy, and treatment breakthroughs through The Clayco Foundation, bringing real progress to families affected by rare diseases.

Guests gathered at Moonlight Studios for Illumination Chicago, The Clayco Foundation’s annual Halloween gala celebrating light, art, and community in support of rare disease research for RVCL, honoring the legacy of Ellen Clark and the vision of Shawn Clark.

Illumination Chicago 2025: Turning Hope Into Action

The Clayco Foundation’s Illumination Chicago gala, founded by Shawn Clark in memory of Ellen Clark, unites art, light, and community to support rare disease research for RVCL. Since 2016, this inspiring event has raised over $1.2 million to fuel hope and discovery.

Group of smiling volunteers from LJC, Clayco, and CRG wearing hard hats and neon green Women Build 2025 shirts during Habitat for Humanity Chicago’s Women Build Day.

GO GIRL: Women Build 2025

Clayco, LJC, and CRG joined Habitat for Humanity Chicago for Women Build Day 2025, working alongside future homeowners to help construct affordable housing for women-led households in Greater Grand Crossing.

Young boy in a hard hat and safety vest smiling at the Clayco Kids Dig construction-themed event.

When Kids Dig, Futures Grow

"Clayco’s Kids Dig event gives children hands-on experience in construction with real tools, mentorship, and inspiration. More than fun—it’s building confidence, community, and futures.

IMPACT

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The key choices we make in this life

Some of the key choices that we get to make in this life are the things we prioritize, both with our finances and with our energy and efforts.

Over the course of my life, my priorities have shifted immensely, and I now spend a large amount of my time focusing on the work that our foundation is doing, as well as being engaged in impactful community efforts. The majority of the work that we are a part of is aimed at issues directly affecting my family and the Clayco community.

INSPIRATION