“At first it was about keeping the memory of my brother alive until I realized that the Foundation is capable of so much more.  We have the ability to give these deserving students a future, one that Ryan always dreamt of having” - Ashley Wells

The mission of The Ryan Wells Foundation is only fulfilled by receiving strong support from the Tampa Bay community.  Friends, family, hospitality professionals, and the high school students themselves have built the foundation to what it is today.  Since it’s formation in 2005, the Ryan Wells Foundation has donated over $600,000 between the 70 scholarships awarded and monies given to the culinary programs of the 4 ProStart programs within Pinellas County. In addition, a large monetary donation was made to the Jacobson Culinary Arts Academy for the naming of Ryan's Kitchen. We encourage your continued support to keep our purpose alive.

Enrollment in a vocational-technical school or a state-of-the-art academy offering culinary and hospitality education can range from $7,500 to $40,000 and above.  Providing students of the ProStart programs of Tarpon Springs, Northeast, Osceola and PTEC with the best equipment, food supplies and educational materials to learn with is costly.

Determined to grow and continue impacting the lives of these students, the foundation asks that you consider joining them in their endeavors.  There are numerous ways to do so, including but not limited to monetary donations, sponsoring events, offering silent and live auction items for events or even volunteering your services.  Important to note, there are no paid positions among the board of directors so that all contributions go directly to the students.

The Ryan Wells Foundation has awarded:

• 70 scholarships totaling approximately $350,000 to high school students
• Over $160,000 to the 4 ProStart programs within Pinellas County
• Donation to the Jacobson Culinary Arts Academy for the naming of "Ryan's Kitchen" totaling $90,000

The Ryan Wells Foundation would like to extend its most sincere thank you to all who have helped make this possible.  For those of you considering a donation to the foundation, a charitable contribution form with our tax exempt ID can be provided upon request.

Donation via PayPal