Live Like Owen.
Love our time together.
Appreciate the little things.
Choose happiness.
The brightest light in every room he entered.
Whenever you saw Owen, he probably had a book in his hand. Every morning he'd pad over to his bookcase, pick out a stack, and bring them down to the "cozy corner" on the couch to read together. Every night ended the same way: "3 books and 3 songs, mama and dada."
He loved Penny, his dog. He loved the beach, libraries, farms, playgrounds, and family dances in the living room. He loved going to the golf course with his dad. He loved his mom and dad and his brother Luke. And he loved being loved right back.
From the very start he was a miracle. 116 days at Boston Children's Hospital, beating Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia. His time here was far too short, but his bright smile, his infectious laugh, and his "I love you, mama" still fill every room we walk into.
We started the Owen Ridder Foundation so other kids get more of what made Owen happy — so his siblings, cousins, neighbors, and friends have a place to do something he loved so very much: reading with their favorite people.
"Now we'll do our best to Live Like Owen: love our time together, appreciate the little things, and Choose Happiness."
We support causes Owen would have loved.
Each year, the Owen Ridder Foundation will raise money for causes we know Owen would have been proud to be a part of: the things that lit him up.
Books
Spaces and programs that put great stories into kids' hands.
Animals
Supporting the shelters, rescues, and creatures Owen adored.
The Beach
Protecting the shoreline and the simple joy of a day by the water.
Owen's Reading Nook at the Ventress Memorial Library.
We're raising money to remodel the children's reading nook: new chairs, soft lighting, toys, interactive stations, a fresh coat of paint, and of course lots of books!
Help fund the nookOwen's Golf Day.
A friendly scramble at Waverly Oaks in Plymouth, MA benefiting the Children's Reading Nook at Ventress Memorial Library. Foursomes, sponsorship tiers, lunch, raffle, and enough laughter to make Owen proud.
Give, Play, & Wear It
Any amount you'd like to offer.
Your donation will help to build the reading nook: chairs, rugs, games, toys, and of course books!
Donate →Owen's Golf Day, August.
Foursomes and sponsorships open now. Bring three friends, wear something colorful.
Register →Tees and hats.
Sometimes we all need a reminder to Live Like Owen. Buy your reminder here.
Shop →Keep Owen's light going.
Every dollar goes to a project we'll tell you about. The founders are covering operating costs personally, so 100% of your gift funds projects.
A short, occasional note.
We send a few emails a year. When a project funds, when an event is coming up, or when something good happens.