Press Releases

BriteCo Named 2023 Community Scholarship Winner for Powerful Submission About Community Following Waukesha Christmas Parade Attack

Leading jewelry insurance provider awards financial support to help education goals.

Published

2 years ago

June 15, 2023

Press Releases

Ella Pittman

(PRESS RELEASE) CHICAGO, IL — BriteCo, a leading tech-driven provider of jewelry and watch insurance, has announced the winner of its 2023 Community Scholarship. Selected from thousands of applicants from across the country, local Waukesha, Wisconsin resident Ella Pittman has been chosen for the top accolade, which recognizes outstanding student community participation with $3,000 in financial support for continued education.

Pittman was chosen by BriteCo as the 2023 winner for her submission about her firsthand experience with the power of community following the 2021 Waukesha Christmas Parade tragedy. Six people were killed and dozens more injured during the attack on November 21 of that year. Pittman directly witnessed the incident as it unfolded. She also saw the immediate response by those in her community and on the scene, as well as in the days after when much of Waukesha joined together for a vigil to honor those who lost their lives. Her scholarship submission shared how the community still continues to come together today and the lifelong impact the strength and support have had on her.

“I am very appreciative to have been awarded a scholarship centered around community, as my community is very important to me,” said Pittman, who will use the financial reward toward her education at Concordia University-Wisconsin.

In addition to Pittman’s submission, BriteCo received applicants from dozens of colleges and universities across the country, including the University of Michigan, UCLA, San Diego State, the University of Massachusetts, Concordia University, Southern Alabama University and many more. The applicants represented more than one hundred metro areas in the United States and included students of all ages, origins and backgrounds. Six finalists were chosen with Pittman ultimately being awarded the winner.

“The stories of our 2023 scholarship applicants and what their communities mean to them were incredible to hear,” said Dustin Lemick, founder and CEO of BriteCo. “We are honored to have had so many participate and share. Congratulations to Ella for being chosen as our winner! Her story was so moving and we are thrilled to help support her goals.”

Created in 2022, the BriteCo Community Scholarship awards financial aid to current graduate and undergraduate students who demonstrate support of their local communities.

High school seniors and students at accredited U.S. colleges and universities are invited to apply, with one winner awarded each year. Applicants can submit for the scholarship either by promoting a local business or organization that is helping the community on their social media pages, or by submitting an essay that describes what their community means to them. The program is one of many ways the market leader gives back and provides support to the community.

For more information on BriteCo and the Community Scholarship program, visit here.

Ready to Relocate? Wilkerson Makes Your Move Seamless

When Brockhaus Jewelry decided to leave their longtime West Main Street storefront for a standalone building elsewhere in Norman, Oklahoma, owners John Brockhaus and Brad Shipman faced a familiar challenge: how to efficiently reduce inventory before the big move. Their solution? Partnering with liquidation specialists Wilkerson for a second time. "We'd already experienced Wilkerson's professionalism during a previous sale," Shipman recalls. "But their approach to our relocation event truly impressed us. They strategically prioritized our existing pieces while tactfully introducing complementary merchandise as inventory levels decreased." The carefully orchestrated sale didn't just meet targets—it shattered them. Asked if they'd endorse Wilkerson to industry colleagues planning similar transitions—whether relocating, retiring, or refreshing their space—both partners were emphatic in their approval. "The entire process was remarkably straightforward," Shipman notes. "Wilkerson delivered a well-structured program, paired us with a knowledgeable advisor, and managed every detail flawlessly from concept to completion."