Our Founders
Jack Fritz Gigante
Jack was born and raised on Hilton Head. He enjoys reading and gardening. He also loves to travel, and his favorite destination is Berlin, Germany.
In high school, Jack ran on the Varsity Cross Country Team and played on the Varsity Chess team for his school. Jack was involved in the drama program at his school and enjoys being on stage. He was also a member of the Peer Advisory Council and was on the Quiz Bowl team. He also worked hard at tutoring young children and teaching them to play chess. |
Jared Parker Reuben
Jared was born and raised in the Lowcountry. He enjoys spending time with his family, friends, and cats. He also loves to play any type of board, video, or card game.
In high school, Jared loved performing in his school's theatrical productions and enjoys being on stage. He played violin in his school's orchestra and was involved in a number of other clubs. Jared was also a Prefect and was on the Quiz Bowl team. |
Jack and Jared both are graduates of the Hilton Head Preparatory Class of 2022, and as such, they had to hand off The SC Suitcase Project in 2022. They both feel bittersweet about leaving behind the project they had worked on during all four years of high school together but are pleased to know that their project rests in good hands with the students at Heritage Academy.
Their Inspiration
After Jack and Jared watched the movie Instant Family, they began to discuss the minor plot point of the film that many foster children only have trash bags to carry their belongings. This offhand remark in the film turned out to be true, and Jack and Jared immediately started talking about how they could make a positive change in their community.
With only a few minutes of discussion, they decided to get suitcases and backpacks to kids who needed them... somehow. They knew they would need their community's help to accomplish this goal, but they were not sure how to reach out to enough people. Luckily and surprisingly, The SC Suitcase Project received an outpouring of support from its community and way beyond, which helped Jack and Jared accomplish their goal.
Now, The SC Suitcase Project has been recognized by state leaders and international companies for helping foster children in South Carolina. Jack and Jared are no longer in charge of The SC Suitcase Project but are grateful to have been part of its journey.
With only a few minutes of discussion, they decided to get suitcases and backpacks to kids who needed them... somehow. They knew they would need their community's help to accomplish this goal, but they were not sure how to reach out to enough people. Luckily and surprisingly, The SC Suitcase Project received an outpouring of support from its community and way beyond, which helped Jack and Jared accomplish their goal.
Now, The SC Suitcase Project has been recognized by state leaders and international companies for helping foster children in South Carolina. Jack and Jared are no longer in charge of The SC Suitcase Project but are grateful to have been part of its journey.