Who we are

On the night of June 10th, Giles went to Heaven. Giles was, and remains to be a beloved son, brother, and friend. He was the youngest child, empathetic, genuine, full of life, and valued relationships among his friends and family.

Faith was at the center of Giles’ life. He held his beliefs close to his heart and loved meaningful conversations about it. His curiosity and insight often inspired his friends to explore their faith more deeply.

If you knew Giles, you know his larger-than-life smile and contagious laugh.  Smiles 4 Giles was created to honor Giles’ life, to reflect his light, and to carry forward the joy and kindness he shared so freely. Giles made the world lighter, kinder, funnier, and more compassionate. Through this foundation, his spirit will continue to touch lives, and inspire others to reflect the light he brought to the people he loved dearly.

The foundation supports charitable causes that represent the things Giles cared about - faith, connection, animals—as well as other seasonal initiatives.

One of the organizations supported by the foundation is Bulldog Catholic, a nonprofit led by Father Mike Schmitz. Their current campaign, Seeds of Faith, aims to build a church, student center, and recording studio to expand national outreach through partnerships with Ascension and Hallow.

Another cause close to our hearts is Service Dogs Inc, which provides free service dogs to people with disabilities. Rather than breeding, they rescue and train shelter dogs using positive reinforcement and specialized programs. Service Dogs is known to help Texas first responders and abused children find healing and independence.

Giles was an incredibly spiritual person, while also having questions and an understanding of the complexity of faith. For his confirmation saint, he chose St. Thomas the Apostle, known as ‘Doubting Thomas.’ Giles understood faith can be intricate and continued to explore his, so that he could live his beliefs to the fullest. Giles was an incredibly deep thinker who studied, questioned, and ultimately believed in his faith. 

Giles was 19 years old, a finance student at TCU, with dreams of moving to Charleston after graduation. Giles loves a friendly competition, a conversation on any subject, and had a strong work ethic. He had a gift for understanding people’s emotions—he seemed to sense what others were feeling, offering comfort, encouragement, and laughter exactly when it was needed most. He was intelligent, kind, adventurous, and so loved. His life, lived in a most ordinary way, was impactful on the people he loves and who love him.

The Smiles 4 Giles Foundation will support charities and causes that embody his values, kindness, and spirit.