Today we’d like to introduce you to Donoven Rice.
Donoven, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Honestly, my story started with something simple — I just really missed the McDonald’s SnackWrap. One day I pulled up to the drive-thru, filmed a funny TikTok asking for it back, and somehow the internet made it go viral. Before long, people started calling me “The SnackWrap Guy,” and that one joke turned into millions of views, national attention, and even a shoutout from McDonald’s themselves when they officially announced the SnackWrap’s return.
But behind all the laughs, I’ve always been driven by purpose. Before all this, I served as a youth pastor, helping students find hope and direction. That passion for people never left. Today, I work with The Jason Foundation, the nation’s leading organization for youth suicide prevention, as their Growth and Economic Development Administrator. I get to use my creativity, network, and voice to raise awareness and build resources that literally help save lives.
So, in a weird way, the SnackWraps and the serious work go hand in hand — both are about connection, hope, and reminding people they matter. My journey’s been anything but ordinary, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Definitely not a smooth road — but I think that’s what makes the story worth telling. There have been seasons where I felt lost, where doors I thought would open just didn’t. From ministry transitions to figuring out who I was outside of the “SnackWrap Guy” label, I’ve had to learn how to reinvent myself while staying true to my purpose.
When the videos went viral, it was exciting — but it also came with pressure. People expect you to always be “on,” always funny, always doing something big. But behind that, I was also walking through personal changes, separation, and moments of doubt about my next steps.
What’s helped me most is my faith, my family, and remembering why I started — to make people laugh, to bring hope, and to use my platform for something bigger than me. Every setback taught me something new about resilience and grace.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
What I do today is all about purpose. At The Jason Foundation, I serve as the Growth and Economic Development Administrator — which is just a fancy way of saying I help create new ways to fund hope. Every day, I get to build programs, partnerships, and campaigns that give people the tools to recognize and respond when someone’s struggling. It’s not just a job — it’s personal. I’ve seen what happens when young people lose hope, and I’ve also seen how one conversation or one resource can save a life.
The work we do is about prevention, but it’s also about restoration — rebuilding communities, families, and futures. I’m most proud that my role lets me use every part of my background: my creativity, my ministry experience, and even the platform that came from something as unexpected as a viral SnackWrap video.
What sets me apart is that I see leadership as service. Whether it’s through The Jason Foundation or one day as an elected official, my mission is the same — to meet people where they are and remind them, they still have purpose. I don’t want to just make noise online; I want to make change in my city, my state, and beyond. My journey has taught me that influence is temporary, but impact lasts forever.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Honestly, what makes me happy is pretty simple — being around the people I love. Time with my family, my friends, Patrice, and Nevaeh means everything to me. Life moves fast, and between work and everything else going on, those quiet moments — laughing together, grabbing dinner, or just hanging out — that’s what keeps me grounded.
I also find happiness in knowing I’m living out my purpose. Whether it’s through my work at The Jason Foundation, connecting with someone who’s struggling, or even making somebody smile through a funny video — that’s what fills me up.
At the end of the day, joy for me isn’t about big moments or viral ones; it’s about people, purpose, and peace. As long as I’ve got those three things, I’m good.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://JASONFOUNDATION.COM
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donovenrice/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/donovenrice/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donoven-rice
- Twitter: https://x.com/donovenrice
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@donovenrice
