Jackson Lee Vetch Scholarship Fund

Shane and Amy Vetch of Freeman, SD, lost their son Jackson to suicide on December 12, 2012. They continue to work through their grief by helping other teens encounter Christ. Jackson, a vibrant teen that briefly lost his way, was influenced by his Christian summer camp experiences.  This inspired the family to establish “The Jackson Lee Vetch Memorial Fund” with the Catholic Community Foundation for Eastern SD. The fund offers scholarships to young people to attend Christian summer camps; such as but not limited to, Broom Tree Discipleship Camp, Camp Sidney at Broom Tree, Inspiration Hills, Inwood, IA, and Swan Lake Camp, Viborg.  Since 2013, over 500 youth have been assisted with $102,003.50 contributed to the fund.  Shane and Amy, along with the Freeman community, annually host a summer movie night to raise awareness and funds to support the mission of Christian summer camps.

Shane shared, “During our loss, we had no idea how much memorial money would pour in.  We knew we wanted to do something meaningful with it but didn’t know how.” That is when a family member suggested working with the Catholic Community Foundation for Eastern SD.  With the help of Kelly Bartmann, Gift Planning Specialist with the Catholic Community Foundation, they set up a Donor Advised Fund.  Donor-advised funds are held by the Foundation and are distributed to beneficiaries when directed by the donor(s).

The Vetch family is grateful to know the Catholic Community Foundation will take care of the administration of the fund so they can focus on their mission, to see young people develop a closer relationship with Christ.  Donations to the fund qualify as a charitable contribution.

Learn more about the fund at https://www.jacksonleevetchmemorialfund.org/.  For more information about donor-advised funds, contact the Catholic Community Foundation at foundation@ccfesd.org or (605) 988-3788.