Ryan “OD” O’Donoghue Memorial Fund

The Ryan “OD” O’Donoghue Memorial Fund was established to honor the life of Ryan O’Donoghue, who passed away suddenly on April 13, 2020, due to an undetected genetic heart condition. Ryan, a 2019 Freehold Township High School (FTHS) graduate, was a freshman at Rowan University, where he continued to play the sports he loved such as football and lacrosse.

Though only 19 years old, Ryan had an incredible impact on the lives of many. He was known for his kindness, compassion, and genuine friendship. Ryan’s infectious joy lit up every room, whether on the field as a teammate or off the field with his friends and family. His ability to make people smile, even in difficult times, was one of his many gifts.

Despite the challenges he faced in school, Ryan’s hard work and perseverance allowed him to succeed academically. He understood the importance of education and the opportunities it could provide. To honor Ryan’s dedication, we aim to provide scholarships to students who embody his qualities of kindness, perseverance, compassion, and love for sports.

In addition to providing scholarships, our Fund supports families in need during the holiday season and contributes to causes that were meaningful to Ryan. We proudly support Samaritan’s Purse, local sports teams, and Monmouth Medical Children’s Hospital through their annual toy drive. We also partner with Sigma Alpha Epsilon at Rowan University to make donations to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)

What drives us is the belief that Ryan would be proud of the work we’ve started. His memory inspires us to grow the community he cherished and to ensure his legacy lives on through acts of kindness and giving.

Scholarships

The Ryan “OD” O’Donoghue Memorial Fund is dedicated to providing scholarships to students attending Freehold Township High School who embody the values that defined Ryan: kindness, perseverance, and a passion for sports. These scholarships are open to eligible applicants who demonstrate leadership skills, actively participate in athletics, and show a commitment to making a positive impact in their communities.

Throughout the past four years, the fund has awarded $23,500 in scholarships, helping students invest in their futures while honoring Ryan’s memory. Our scholarships typically range from $1,000 to $2,000. By applying for the Ryan O’Donoghue Memorial Fund scholarships, students are not only investing in their futures but also honoring Ryan’s memory through their dedication to kindness and community service. We encourage all eligible students to apply and look forward to supporting the next generation of leaders who will carry forward Ryan’s legacy of compassion and resilience.

For more information, please contact us.

Annual Golf Outing

Ryan brought immense joy to those around him, especially when playing golf with family and friends. In honor of his passion, we’ve established an annual golf outing to celebrate his life and legacy. This event provides a heartfelt opportunity for us to share stories, reminisce, and cherish the memories we created together. Ryan’s kindness, athleticism, intelligence, and playful spirit touched so many lives in his short time with us, and this outing allows us to celebrate all that he was.

On Thursday, June 19, 2025, we will hold the 5th Annual Ryan “OD” O’Donoghue Memorial Fund Golf Outing at Gambler Ridge Golf Club in Cream Ridge, NJ. We aim to make this event a resounding success and are counting on your generosity to help us achieve that.

The day promises to be filled with joy and laughter. Whether you’re a golfer, joining us for dinner, participating in our gift auction and raffle, or volunteering, your presence will make this a truly special occasion. If you can’t make it, a small donation would mean so much and help us honor Ryan’s memory in a meaningful way.

Thank you for your support as we celebrate Ryan's life and the lasting impact he had on all of us.

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