The New England Patriots have honored Golf For All Co-Founder Jerry Donovan for his years of selfless volunteerism as a “Patriots Difference Maker of the Week.” Because of Jerry’s well-deserved recognition, Golf For All will receive a grant from the Patriots of $10,000.
The Patriots’ Celebrate Volunteerism initiative aims to share examples of dedicated volunteers, build awareness of the need for volunteering, identify and educate others about volunteer opportunities and inspire New Englanders to follow the Kraft family’s example of becoming lifelong volunteers. The Patriots shared this on their website:
Jerry has dedicated the last two decades of his life to service, using his own spinal cord injury to inspire and support others. After an accident in 1999 left him paralyzed, he began peer mentoring visiting newly injured patients. His role is simple but powerful – showing up with a smile in his wheelchair, offering honesty about the difficulties ahead but encouraging others with perseverance, love and support, they can rebuild meaningful lives.
Jerry co-founded the organization in 2011 and is dedicated to making the game of golf accessible for individuals of all disabilities and backgrounds to foster inclusive, individual growth and community engagement. Since then, he organizes free clinics, mentors participants and fosters a welcoming community where individuals with disabilities can experience joy and connection.
More than just recreation, Jerry has created belonging; children, adults with autism, and people with mobility challenges have found friendship, empowerment and encouragement. He also worked with local recreation centers to secure adaptive “Paragolfers”, devices that allow wheelchair users to stand and swing at local golf courses.
Jerry has used his story to uplift others and shows patients what resilience looks like. For many patients, meeting Jerry is the first time they believe in their own potential.
If you would like to support the work that we do with the help of volunteers like Jerry Donovan, please consider making a tax deductible donation to to Golf For All. As a registered 501(c)(3) public charity, our EIN is 27-4514262.