JE✌️S♥️N Reyes Memorial Fund “Kindness Matters"

2024

Thank you to everyone who donated to JE✌️S♥️N's memorial fund. The fundraising went so well this year, we were able to give scholarship awards to three amazing students who have exhibited the same qualities as JE✌️S♥️N. Congratulations, James Marino, Allison McDonnell and Tyler Sebor! Wow!

JE✌️S♥️N passed away September 22, 2021 from an unknown viral form of meningoencephalitis (meningitis and encephalitis - an infection outside and inside the brain). We decided to start and continue a "KINDNESS" scholarship in his name because it's who and how JJ was and kindness really does matter! We are doing a fundraiser to provide scholarship award(s) and also to perform RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS in his memory.

JE✌️S♥️N was learning disabled and school did not come easy to him. To speak with him, you would have never known he had any academic challenges but, he did have a severe reading deficit. Despite his learning struggles, he was a good student and most of all he was a loving, kind and caring classmate and human being. That's is why this scholarship is not an academic or a sports-based award. It is rooted in KINDNESS, given to student(s) that possess the same degree of love, generosity and compassion that he had for others. We hope by highlighting these special qualities, students will strive to be and understand the importance of being a kind and caring person to others. JE✌️S♥️N may not have had the academic skills to be the top of his class, however, he surely was at the top of his class when it came to his kind and loving nature.

In his younger years, JE✌️S♥️N was the recipient of many Citizenship Awards because he eagerly volunteered to assist his classmates who needed help. He even sacrificed his recess time to sit with a disabled child so that he didn’t have to be alone. I’ve said so many times that, “JE✌️S♥️N would give you the shirt off his back but he’d also give you mine”. He was just that kind of loving and giving person and he wanted everyone to be the same way. He loved babies, animals and the elderly (the most innocent and vulnerable). So, it was no surprise that he rescued kittens from Fire Island. After he passed, we found out he used to buy lunch for a friend in need. He couldn’t resist in helping out a friend, an animal, or even stranger in need. His heart broke when he saw homeless people (especially in the winter) he would buy them food or give money, right from his own wallet. Not only did he give, but he would take the time to talk to them because he really cared. His big generous heart, his awesome personality and his ability to connect with people, are hands down his legacy.

So, to honor his spirit, we will also be performing RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS, buying someone food, taking in someone’s garbage pails, donating to charities and shelters, mowing a lawn, paying a person’s bill (these are just some examples), anything that could help or brighten someone’s day. 100% of all the money received will go towards the scholarship and helping others!

This year Jeyson's team of "Earth Angels" have already distributed over $3,000 in donations to:

Islip Animal Shelter, Tunnel2Towers, American Heart Association (in memory of Vincent DiCarlo, Sr.), St. Jude, League of Yes (in memory of Kris & Bryan Riedell), Trick or Treat bags to Fire Island School - Gift cards for food have been handed out in Bay Shore, Patchogue, Los Angeles and San Francisco - Rent assistance to a single mom. Parkville Plaza Pay it Forward Breakfast. These small acts have a huge and profound effect....and our work will continue thanks to your help!

We appreciate any donation, no amount is too small. If you are unable to donate, if you could pass along this post that would be great. If you prefer you can always send a donation to: c/o Jeyson Reyes Memorial Fund, 18 Laurel Dr., Sayville, NY 11782. Thanking you in advance for all the love and support.

2023

We awarded all of last year's donations, $5,000 to a most deserving student, Timari Jackson, who like JE✌️S♥️N, is a beautiful soul. We wish him the best of luck and hope to follow him on his new journey.