History

Michael’s Gift is a charity developed to honor Michael Ridgeway, who died at age 6. It was established  as a memorial fund to be used to help Orange County youth reach their potential. Funds are to be used  for enrichment activities and are not used to duplicate existing resources. All funds made available  through this program are received as donations or made through fundraising efforts. 

There is a cap placed upon 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.