Our mission is to make a difference in many ways for many people by pursuing those causes and interests important to Jason.
What We Do
Youth Baseball. Jason loved baseball. He excelled in the sport through high school and played at the collegiate level for a short time. One of Jason’s desires was to teach baseball skills to his nephew Landon. He worked with Landon on many occasions during backyard sessions and passed on many of his hitting techniques.
To honor Jason, the Jason Hester Foundation is working with youth programs in the local community as well as with organizations dedicated to youth baseball such as the Reds Community Fund and the Nuxhall Foundation. We are in discussions with Charley Frank, Director of the Reds Community Fund as well with the Executive Director of the Nuxhall Foundation about participating in the many activities and events they continuously sponsor.
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Cincinnati (RMHC). Jason had a special connection with his niece Emmie and nephew Landon. He also was always wanting to help watch over younger cousins during his growing up years. Because of Jason’s battle with cancer and because of the care provided by RMH for children with cancer, Jason would be honored to know that we are connecting with them to be a part of their programs. We have already participated in providing a weekend treat to the RMH residents and the team will soon be involved in other ways, including providing evening meals and sponsoring a room at their facility.
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Cincinnati (RMHC)
FUTURE PLANS
Animal Rescue. Jason, on more than one occasion, brought a stray dog home. The dog may have been standing in the middle of the street or been wandering through the neighborhood. He would put the dog in his fenced-in backyard and immediately begin looking for the owner. He would care for and feed the dog until the owner could be found. There was only one time when he was unsuccessful and he had to take the dog to a shelter, making sure that it was a ‘no-kill’ shelter and would be cared for.
The Jason Hester Foundation hopes to connect in the future with one or two animal rescue organizations to make sure strays and unwanted animals are taken care of or given an opportunity to be placed in a loving home.
Washington, D.C. We’re not going to save Washington, D.C. – not sure that is possible. We are hoping to make Washington accessible to students who may not be able to visit without financial support. During college, Jason took off and went to Washington to tour the city, see the sights and museums, and learn about our nation. He was always a history buff and loved learning about the Presidents and the founding of our nation. Many high schools send a group of students to Washington each year. This can be an expensive trip and the Jason Hester Foundation hopes to be able to provide funding for students who may not be able to make the trip due to the expense. More to come on this as we work through our future planning.
Cancer Support. Jason’s family watched with heavy hearts as he battled cancer for a year. He endured much and so did we. After Jason passed, we all agreed that what we learned throughout his year long battle could be used to support others fighting cancer. We have begun to explore what that help or support might look like or who we might be able to partner with to allow us to engage with cancer patients and their families. More to come on this in the near future.
