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Joe Hession Celebrated for Community Impact at 2025 Ireland Fund’s New Jersey Golf Classic

Montville, NJ (September 26, 2025) – The Hession Foundation, founder, Joe Hession, was formally honored at The Ireland Funds’ 23rd Annual New Jersey Golf Classic, held September 8 at the exclusive Bayonne Golf Club.

Hession, a nationally recognized business leader and the visionary behind SNOW Partners, was celebrated for his exceptional contributions to youth wellness, outdoor recreation access and philanthropic leadership—particularly in New Jersey communities. Through SNOW Partners—the operator of Mountain Creek Resort in Vernon and Big SNOW American Dream in East Rutherford—Hession has expanded access to year-round snow sports and recreation for thousands of local families, while also creating jobs, youth programming and charitable partnerships throughout the state. The Ireland Funds presented Hession with a custom-crafted sculpture made from 5,600-year-old Irish bog oak—an honor reserved for individuals who exemplify deep commitment to community advancement.

“This recognition is deeply meaningful—not just personally, but because it amplifies the core mission of The Hession Foundation: to make real, lasting impact for families, youth and those battling substance abuse,” said Joe Hession, Founder of The Hession Foundation and CEO of SNOW Partners. “We’re focused on addressing real challenges in our communities, and we’re proud to stand with partners like The Ireland Funds who share that same vision.”

Inspired by the remarkable journey of Joseph P. Hession—a recovering alcoholic and longtime counselor whose dedication to helping others spans nearly five decades—the Hession Foundation was established in 2021 to carry forward that mission. Today, it focuses on supporting programs that prevent alcohol and substance abuse, promote mental health and empower at-risk youth, especially in communities tied to SNOW Partners. Since its founding, the Foundation has made meaningful contributions to organizations like the New Jersey Golf Foundation, the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Teams and local youth initiatives, making a real difference where it matters most.

The honor was part of a larger celebration at the 2025 New Jersey Golf Classic, which brought together 112 golfers and over 200 supporters for a record-breaking day of fundraising in support of The Ireland Funds’ Heart of the Community Fund and No Mind Left Behind Scholarship Program, both dedicated to serving under-resourced communities across Ireland. The evening featured remarks from Irish dignitaries, including Consul General Gerald Angley and Minister of State Robert Troy, as well as a lively auction hosted by Pat Tully. Presenting sponsors included Big SNOW American Dream, Mountain Creek, SNOW Partners, SNOW Operating and SnowCloud, whose generous support helped make the event a tremendous success.

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