Our dear friend John Hayes’ life was tragically taken by a car accident on the afternoon of January 17, 2023. John was a fierce advocate for countless local causes and had a special love in his heart for the Somerset Independent School District. John became acquainted with the Somerset community while developing homes and subdivisions in the school district. Through his passion for education, John saw the disparity of educational opportunities in the area and sought to improve the academic advancement for Somerset ISD students. One of San Antonio’s most economically disadvantaged areas became the focus of John’s dedication at he sought to change the lives of these students and provide greater educational opportunities. His work was making a difference!

To carry on his legacy, the John Hayes Memorial Fund was established at the San Antonio Area Foundation. This fund provides an ongoing revenue source for scholastic scholarships, teacher grants and special programs.

In April 2024, we hosted the first John Hayes Memorial Pickleball Tournament to raise money for this memorial fund. The event was sold out and well attended. Through friends and colleagues like you we were able to raise more than $235,000, of which only 1% went to overhead expenses. We value the funds received by our donors and want to ensure most of it goes towards helping students and teachers. In May, we were honored to give 4 academic scholarships and several teacher grants in Somerset. John would have been beyond thrilled.

As we plan for the now second annual pickleball tournament we hope you will help us continue to change the lives of teachers and students in the Somerset school district and honor the memory of John Hayes. Whether you are a pickleball enthusiast or not, we invite you to play or come watch the finals match at 5pm on April 6, 2025, and enjoy the cocktail party and presentation to follow. It’s going to be a great time and a wonderful opportunity to honor John’s legacy.

Sincerely,

The John Hayes Memorial Pickleball Tournament Team

Amy and Hayden Hayes, Gayle and Sam Youngblood (Co-Chairs), Shelley and Tom Thill (Co-Chairs), Susanne and Louis Cooper, Josie Dorris, Dore Koontz Foody, Kathy and David Kelleher, Catherine Matthews, Jessica and Jay McAnelly, Emily McMurray, Laura Moorman, Carla and Chet Nastala, Olivia Nastala, Jill and Bobby Rosenthal, Lori & Fred Tips