TAMPA, Fla. — A Bay area couple has turned a family tragedy into a charity that helps young people with their educations.
When Ron and Tina Ackerman’s son, Jason, died in a tragic accident 18 years ago, they decided to raise money for scholarships for students who had been through difficult times.
The couple recently hosted their 17th annual Jason Ackerman Foundation bowl-a-thon at the Pin Chaser’s bowling alley in Tampa. The couple has raised $1.5 million for 375 scholarships. The scholarships could be used for traditional colleges and trade schools.
Ron Ackerman said Jason was a very caring person. “He was the kindest, funniest man you would ever want to meet," he said.
Jason demonstrated that caring by tutoring children at the Children’s Cancer Center in Tampa.
“The kids would just fight over him to be tutored so they could get their grades up so they could graduate on time," Ron said.
Each of the young people applying for a scholarship must write a letter to the foundation’s board explaining the difficult life circumstances they have faced. They must also keep up their grades and attendance. They also have to do some kind of service.
“And one of the key factors that we ask the scholars to do is to also give back and to pay it forward,” said Tina Ackerman.
Hillsborough Community College nursing student Arely Torres Montoy was at the recent bowl-a-thon. She is grateful for her scholarship.
“I mean, I really appreciate the scholarships," she said. "Like I said, it’s been amazing. It’s been a big help.”
Running the Jason Ackerman Foundation and helping young people has been a form of healing for the Ackermans. “The most important thing for us is knowing we are making a difference in these kid’s lives,” Ron said.