Note: Some of you may know that I’ve entered a new and exciting phase of my life/career working to build and grow the work of the Carl Angus DeSantis Foundation. For me and my teammates, this is a labor of love because Carl changed our lives and the lives of so many others. While we lost Mr. D last August, his work continues through his foundation. It’s the honor of a lifetime to be involved. Periodically, I hope to share what we’re doing because it’s important to spotlight some of the great work being done in our community. Our main focus is helping transformational leaders and programs in Palm Beach and Broward counties. We’ve only just begun.
Communities are ever-changing, that’s what makes them interesting.
People, businesses, leaders, and organizations come and go.
But it’s the pillars that stand the test of time.
It’s the pillars that build communities, quietly, effectively and over a long span of time.
The George Snow Scholarship Fund is one of those pillars. The Carl Angus DeSantis Foundation is honored to partner with this wonderful non-profit to build a better future for our youth.
Recently, we announced a $200,000 gift to the Snow Fund. The monies will support a new program we’re calling “DeSantis Scholars”—which will enable students to pursue vocational education in fields such as nursing, HVAC, electrical, plumbing and more. The scholarships were handed out over the weekend at an event at Lynn University’s magnificent Wold Performing Arts Center.
Mr. DeSantis, who briefly attended Florida State University but did not complete his degree, believed that students who wanted to pursue careers that didn’t require college should be encouraged to do so.
We’re pleased to have a partner like George Snow to help make that happen.
Since 1982, the non-profit has given about $26.4 million in scholarships to local students looking to improve their lives. That’s an astounding number. The Snow Foundation is making a profound difference in the lives of our young people.
Through the decades, the Boca Raton-based Snow Fund has been there for students in Palm Beach County. Recently, the fund was invited to help students in Broward, a testament to their reputation as stellar scholarship administrators.
We’ve had our eyes on the George Snow Fund for some time. It’s hard to miss their impact:
- 2,943 scholarships since 1982.
- 887 Snow Scholars currently enrolled in college.
- Almost $5 million awarded in 2023.
But their effectiveness goes beyond the numbers: 90 percent of Snow Scholars graduate compared to 62 percent nationally. Many of those scholars come back home and benefit our local community.
So, we were thrilled to partner with such a pillar of the community. We were especially taken by the holistic thinking at the Snow Fund. Students receive inspirational messages to start their week, there are webinars that teach the “soft skills” needed to succeed and scholars receive care packages as well.
It’s been a remarkably effectively model, honed over 42 years by a leadership team led by President Tim Snow.
When you meet Tim and Development Director Jay Brandt you are swept away by the passion they bring to the cause. For Tim, the son of George Snow, the mission is personal. But he has managed to infuse that passion into a dedicated team and board that have created a family of scholars.
“When you receive a scholarship from the George Snow Scholarship Fund, you become a part of our family. You can count on us to help you in anyway we can,” says Tim.
And help they do: from career development advice, college physicals, an emergency fund for unexpected needs, to laptop computers and mental health counseling Snow Scholars are cared for like family.
Did we mention senior portraits? How about “the scholar closet” to help the budget conscious find free clothing and shoes? There’s also the “Snow Family Network”, a unique social networking platform where Scholars and Snow Alumni can connect and help each other find jobs and internships.
That’s the “wow” factor we look for at the Carl Angus DeSantis Foundation.
We are thrilled to begin this important partnership. Mr. DeSantis would be proud.
Another beautiful story of how the Foundation is making a difference in our community.
Thanks, Ted. Stay tuned.
They couldn’t have found a more committed and eloquent ambassador to steward these initiatives if they tried! Delighted to see the support of these outstanding entities in such great hands! Onward and upward for creating our future changemakers and community leaders!
Thanks so much Kim. It means a lot coming from you. I am so passionate about this work. It brings me back to the community which is a wonderful feeling.
As Chair of the George Snow Scholarship Fund’s Board of Trustees , please accept my thanks on behalf of our Board for your trust and commitment to our mission. Your support financially but also with articles like this one are so important to our organization. From the staff to our loyal volunteers, it’s a labor of love enabling our young people to reach for the dreams via trade, vocational or collage. Education is the catalyst for change and growth. Thank you!!
It’s our pleasure. Thanks so much for all you do for our future leaders.
Jeff, well stated article! The Snow Foundation is an intricate part of the educational strategy to grow postsecondary and workforce education!
Thank so much my friend.