What We Do
The SZ Foundation was established as a 501(c)3 organization to facilitate charitable contributions to further its mission. Since formation, it has conducted annual fundraising events such as fishing and poker tournaments, casino nights as well as dinners and both live and silent auctions.
It has been heartening to see volunteerism, participation, and charitable giving grow each year. Accordingly, the Foundation has been able to gradually increase its impact on the community and individuals consistent with its mission.
Examples of organizations benefiting from the SZ Foundation include St. Thomas HS, Positive Coaching Alliance and the Houston Live Stock and Rodeo. In each case, the Foundation has supported individuals through scholarships based on their involvement or contribution to causes important to Scotty.
Future events will be posted on the website and all are encouraged to join and participate in furthering the Foundation’s ability to influence lives.
For generations the mission of Eagle Athletics is for our student-athletes to learn the valuable lessons of dedication, loyalty and discipline yielding much more than just performance outcomes in their sport, but to compete and grow through life-building skills including teamwork, camaraderie, discipline, respect and diligence.
The SZ Foundation has supported scholarships benefiting young men at St. Thomas to help others achieve more in life through education and athletics. A fund in Scotty’s name commenced in March of 2014. Scotty benefited greatly from the relationships formed while at STH and graduated in 2003. The motto, teach me Goodness, Discipline and Knowledge was a great example for Scotty and other Men of St. Thomas.
Scott Zornes, Richard Butler and Mark Detrantles at the St. Thomas High School Scholarship Breakfast with a $50,000 donation from the SZ Foundation. Thanks to all our supporters and donors!
Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) provides resources for youth and high school sports coaches, parents, administrators and student-athletes to create a positive culture around youth sports. PCA has partnered with roughly 3,500 schools and youth sports organizations nationwide to deliver live group workshops, online courses and books by PCA Founder Jim Thompson that help those involved in youth and high school sports create a positive, character-building youth sports culture.
The Houston Chapter of PCA created an award, Scotty Zornes Young Coach Award in 2011. This award is given annually and recognizes young coaches that impact players on and off the field; and encourages them to be better people. Former Professional Baseball Player, Lance Berkman was the most recent recipient in 2018. The SZ Foundation also supports the PCA scholarship program for high school seniors that have demonstrated positive leadership in their schools and their communities.
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo promotes agriculture by hosting an annual, family-friendly experience that educates and entertains the public, supports Texas youth, showcases Western heritage and provides year-round educational support within the community.
Since the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ began in 1932, more than $475 million has been committed to the youth of Texas. The Rodeo has presented nearly 19,000 scholarships since the first scholarship was awarded in 1957.
Currently, more than 2,300 students are on Rodeo scholarships, attending more than 80 different Texas colleges and universities. The value of these scholarships is more than $50 million.
The foundation supports the Rodeo scholarship program benefiting the youth of Texas. Scotty loved the Rodeo and attended the livestock show, carnival and rodeo since the age of 1. His last time attending was a fun filled day with close friends and ended with a concert by Brooks and Dunn. He loved that day!
Thank You Letter
