Spreading Kindness Like Confetti: Shamrock 555

In Detroit, where community runs deep, few have left as indelible a mark as Stephen Luigi Piazza, known to most as “Luigi.” As a longtime team member at the Family of Companies, Luigi was more than just a colleague—he was a mentor, a friend and a relentless force for good. His legacy continues to flourish through Shamrock 555, The Stephen Luigi Piazza Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded in his memory, dedicated to carrying on his spirit of generosity.

Dan Gilbert, the founder and chairman of Rocket Companies, once said of Luigi, “The soul of Steve Piazza should be what every person sort of aspires to be. When Steve Piazza left the room, everybody felt better than they did before he walked in.” Luigi truly devoted his life to making others feel valued, supported, and inspired.

Shamrock 555 was born from Luigi’s vision during his battle with cancer, back in 2017. “He saw this as his opportunity to continue helping people long after he was gone,” recalls Ryan Houlihan, Chairman of Shamrock 555 and a close personal friend of Luigi. “What was important to Steve was not just to have a one-time impact, but creating a lasting legacy that would continue year after year.”

With this mission in mind, Shamrock 555 has made it their goal to support organizations that align with Luigi’s passion for helping underserved youth, specifically in his favorite city, Detroit. Shamrock 555 is committed to making a meaningful impact in the community through such means as providing scholarships to local nonprofits like Downtown Boxing Gym and Mosaic Youth Theatre.

Over the years, Shamrock 555 has received more than $100,000 from Rocket Community Fund’s Community Challenge. Hosted annually, the Rocket Community Fund Community Challenge, empowers Rocket Companies’ 15,000+ team members across the United State to nominate, advocate and fundraise for the nonprofits they personally care about. The support Shamrock 555 has received has been crucial in advancing their mission, enabling them to provide even more scholarships to deserving candidates and expand their outreach to other deserving organizations. “The Rocket Community Fund has been a tremendous partner,” Houlihan notes. “Their support allows us to continue Luigi’s legacy of making a difference in the lives of so many.”

One of the foundation’s key annual events is the Shamrock 555 Golf Outing. The 2024 event had two presenting sponsors, both with a connection to the Family of Companies: Revela, a Detroit Venture Partners investment as well as Dan and Jennifer Gilbert. This event is more than just a day on the greens—it is a celebration of Luigi’s life and a powerful fundraising opportunity that fuels the foundation’s work.

“It’s not just a golf outing; it’s an event where people come together to remember Luigi and to continue his mission,” says Houlihan. “This year, we were able to award four $10,000 scholarships to deserving students. Seeing the impact of these funds on young lives is incredibly rewarding.”

The connection between Shamrock 555 and the Family of Companies runs deep, as many of Luigi’s former colleagues remain actively involved in the foundation’s efforts. “There’s a huge presence of ROCK and Rocket people at our events every year,” Houlihan says. “Luigi touched so many lives, and it’s amazing to see that love and commitment continue through Shamrock 555.”

In addition to scholarships, Shamrock 555 partners with organizations like the Assistance League’s Operation School Bell, donating $25,000 to fund clothing drives for hundreds of Detroit schoolchildren each year. “We go in and clothe 500 kids in one day,” Houlihan shares. “Seeing the smiles on those kids’ faces and knowing that Luigi’s legacy is making that possible—it’s what keeps us going.”

For those inspired by Luigi’s story and the mission of Shamrock 555, there are many ways to get involved. Whether through monetary donations, volunteering or simply spreading the word, every contribution helps further Luigi’s vision of a better world for Detroit’s children. “Luigi loved throwing kindness around like confetti,” Houlihan says. “That’s what he wanted, and that’s what we’re dedicated to doing every day.

Stephen Luigi Piazza’s legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew him and in the many lives impacted by Shamrock 555. His unwavering commitment to helping others, especially the underserved youth of Detroit, continues to inspire and guide the foundation’s work. Through Shamrock 555, Luigi’s spirit of generosity, kindness, and impact will endure for generations to come.

To learn more about Shamrock 555 and how you can contribute to Luigi’s legacy, visit their website and join the mission to spread kindness like confetti and make a difference in the lives of Detroit’s children. Together, we can carry forward Luigi’s dream and keep his light shining bright in the city he loved so much.