Jacci and Sean Snyder started the Jack Elton Snyder Foundation (JES & US) in honor of their son Jack Snyder who passed away in 2021. This year the foundation was named as the benefiting partner of the Memorial Junior.
Jack was an AJGA golfer who competed in three tournaments and several qualifiers. Since his passing, the Snyders have continued to remain close to the AJGA and the golf community as a whole. JES & US was started to help raise money for local junior golfers who struggle to afford the expenses of junior golf.
Through JES & US, the Snyders have raised nearly $75,000 and awarded 12 golf scholarships to deserving young juniors. Three of them participated in the Memorial Junior, including Mia Hammond, who won the Girls Division this year.
These scholarships help pay for lessons and coaching as well as other expenses that come with the game of golf, allowing these talented individuals to show their skills and potentially make a career out of the sport they love.
The couple spoke on their foundation being selected as the benefiting partner of the Memorial Junior.
Q: What is the main goal of the Jack Elton Snyder Foundation?
Sean: The number one goal that we have is to carry my son's legacy on forever. He loved the game of golf as much as anybody. What we want to do is take kids who live regionally from Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Pennsylvania and Michigan and give them scholarships to pursue golf further on.
Q: What does it mean to be the benefiting partner of the Memorial Junior?
Jacci: The AJGA's principles align with JES & US, and we hope to compliment each other in future years as we hope to continue our reach for future recipients at a regional, if not national, level. It means so much more to our family to have support from an organization such as the AJGA, one of the largest premiere golf tournaments in the world. Their platform is so large and can help us in reaching many more talented junior golfers who can benefit from our foundation. Our foundation was established to carry on Jack's legacy, generosity and huge heart.
Q: What does it mean to see the players and parents honoring Jack and the foundation at the Memorial Junior?
Jacci: It's so humbling for our family. Jack lived an amazing life, and although it was very brief, he did not waste a moment, always giving and caring so much for others. I want to remind the golfers that knew Jack, and the ones that did not, that Jack lived big and played big, and although golf is an individual sport, his passion in wanting others to grow, develop, and excel is what Jack would want most for these junior golfers.
Q: What can people of the community do to help spread awareness for the Jack Elton Snyder Foundation?
Jacci: Share our foundation with others who may benefit from Jack's Foundation, and follow us on social media for all announcements and fundraising opportunities that are planned.