Established in memory of Jason Smitley — a cherished son, brother, and friend whose love for the outdoors, community, and the next generation lives on through everything we do.
Our Mission
Keeping Jason's Spirit Alive
✦
The Jason Smitley Memorial Foundation was founded to honor the memory of Jason Smitley by giving back to the community he loved. Each year, we bring families together through a free kids' fishing derby at the Mahomet Sportsman's Club — and we raise funds through our annual golf outing to make it all possible.
The proceeds from the golf outing fund the fishing derby and support the Jason Smitley Memorial Scholarship Fund at Parkland Community College, helping local students pursue their dreams — one year at a time.
🎣
Fishing Derby
A free annual kids' fishing derby at the Mahomet Sportsman's Club — where Jason grew up fishing. Open to all families in the community.
Learn More →
⛳
Golf Outing
Our annual fundraising golf outing makes everything possible. Register your team and join us for a great day on the course in Jason's honor.
Register →
🎓
Scholarship Fund
The Jason Smitley Memorial Scholarship at Parkland Community College supports local students working toward a brighter future.
Meet the Recipients →
💛
Remembering Jason
Share a photo or a story about Jason. A place to celebrate who he was and keep his memory alive for all who knew and loved him.
Share a Memory →
In Loving Memory
"The best thing to hold onto in life is each other."
🎣
Jason Smitley Memorial Fishing Derby
A free annual event for kids and families
About the Fishing Derby
The Jason Smitley Memorial Fishing Derby is a free, annual event open to kids and families throughout our community. It is our most cherished tradition — a day to get outside, cast a line, and make memories with the people who matter most.
The derby is held each year at the Mahomet Sportsman's Club in Mahomet, Illinois — the very water where Jason grew up fishing as a boy. It's a fitting home for an event built around his love of the outdoors, and we are grateful to the club for welcoming our families year after year.
Jason loved fishing and he loved kids. This derby is our way of bringing those two things together in his memory. All equipment, bait, and activities are provided at no cost to participating families.
When
Date TBA
Where
Mahomet Sportsman's Club
Location
Mahomet, Illinois
Cost
Free to All
Ages
All Kids Welcome
* Derby details are updated annually. Check back for this year's exact date and time.
Photo Gallery
Memories from past fishing derbies
⛳
Jason Smitley Memorial Golf Outing
Annual fundraiser supporting the fishing derby & scholarship fund
About the Golf Outing
The Jason Smitley Memorial Golf Outing is our annual fundraising event, bringing golfers from across the community together for a great day on the course — all in memory of Jason. Proceeds support the free kids' fishing derby and the Jason Smitley Memorial Scholarship Fund at Parkland Community College.
When
Date TBA
Where
Lake of the Woods Golf Course
Location
Mahomet, Illinois
Start Time
9:00 AM Shotgun
Format
Scramble
Teams
4-Person Teams
Sign Up for the Golf Outing
Register your team or become a hole sponsor — every participant makes a difference.
⛳ Team Registration
Register your foursome for this year's outing
Team Name
Player 1 — Team Captain
Player 2
Player 3
Player 4
💳 Team Registration Payment
After submitting your registration below, please complete your payment via PayPal to officially secure your team's spot in the outing.
A kind request: When completing your PayPal payment, please select "Friends & Family" rather than "Goods & Services." This ensures that every dollar of your registration goes directly to the foundation rather than to processing fees. We are deeply grateful for your generosity and support!
Please don't forget to complete your payment via PayPal above to secure your spot. We can't wait to see you on the course — thank you for supporting the foundation!
🪧 Hole Sponsorship
Sponsor a hole and display your name or logo on the course
Hole sponsors receive a personalized sign displayed at one of the course holes throughout the day. Your name or logo will be proudly shown in Jason's honor.
Sponsor Information
Hole Sign Logo or Photo
🖼️
Click to upload your logo or photo for the hole sign PNG or JPG recommended — minimum 300×300px for best print quality
Sign Notes (optional)
💳 Sponsorship Payment
After submitting your sponsorship form, please complete your payment via PayPal. Use the button below to be directed to our payment page.
A kind request: When completing your PayPal payment, please select "Friends & Family" rather than "Goods & Services." This ensures your full contribution reaches the foundation. We are so thankful for your generosity!
Your hole sign will be a wonderful tribute during the outing. Please complete your payment via PayPal above. We'll be in touch with any details — thank you so much!
Photo Gallery
Memories from past golf outings
🎓
Jason Smitley Memorial Scholarship Fund
Parkland Community College — Champaign, Illinois
The Jason Smitley Memorial Scholarship Fund is an endowed scholarship established at Parkland Community College in Jason's memory. Each year, the fund supports local students who demonstrate financial need, community involvement, and a commitment to their education.
The scholarship is made possible by the generosity of those who participate in the Jason Smitley Memorial Golf Outing and by direct contributions to the fund. If you'd like to support the next generation of students in Jason's name, we invite you to make a gift directly to Parkland Community College.
Clicking above will take you to Parkland Community College's donation page. Please designate your gift to the Jason Smitley Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Scholarship Recipients
Honoring the students who carry Jason's legacy forward
💛
Remembering Jason
A place to share photos, stories, and the moments that made him who he was
Jason touched so many lives in so many ways. This page is a space for those who knew him — family, friends, teammates, classmates — to share a photograph or a favorite memory.
Memories & Stories
Shared by those who loved him
Share a Memory
Submit a photo or story about Jason. We'll review it and post it here once approved.
📷
Click to upload a photo
🔍 All submissions are reviewed by the foundation before being published. We appreciate your patience and your willingness to share.
💛
Thank you for sharing.
Your submission has been received and will be reviewed by the foundation. Once approved, it will appear on this page for all to see.
✉️
Contact Us
We'd love to hear from you
Whether you have questions about the fishing derby, the golf outing, the scholarship fund,
or anything else — please don't hesitate to reach out. We're happy to hear from you.