Michael's Gift Assistance

Michael's Gift is a memorial fund developed to honor Michael Ridgeway, who died at age six. He was a typical little boy: loud, always dirty, a lover of helicopters and soccer balls, but mostly his family and friends remember him for his unwavering compassion, quite beyond his years. He was a "smiler" and a giver, and it wasn't uncommon that he would show up to his kindergarten class with homemade presents for everyone. Michael's family and friends thought the best way to keep his memory alive was to create a program that would reflect his caring attitude toward others. The purpose of Michael's Gift is to help Orange County youth reach their full potential by funding enrichment activities such as karate, art classes, sports programs, sports supplies, music lessons and more. Parents who cannot afford to pay for their children's extracurricular activities or equipment apply to the Michael's Gift fund for help in managing these costs.

Eligibility Criteria: 

• Youth must attend Orange County Public Schools, or 
• Youth must be an Orange County resident (Proof of enrollment or residency may be required), and 
• Youth must be under the age of 18.

Funds are not used to duplicate existing resources. There is a cap placed on the amount that can be utilized each year per child. In addition, there is a cap placed on each individual activity that Michael's Gift will pay out. Both of these caps are determined at the beginning of the county's fiscal year. However, the cap may be adjusted throughout the year depending on the availability of funding. Please check with the Office on Youth for this information. In the event Michael's Gift funds drop below the threshold designated by the Michael's Gift committee, consideration for assistance will only be given to children who have not accessed Michael's Gift in the past.