The Ben Moody Foundation

04/22/2026

From our Founding Secretary/Treasurer, Erin

“As a founding board member of The Ben Moody Foundation, so much of the work we do lives in heavy spaces.

We sit with grief. We support su***de loss survivors. We talk about the hard things—because they matter.

And then there are days like Saturday.

Ben’s Birthday at the skate park was filled with laughter, music, connection, and community. Watching people show up—kids, families, friends—skating, cheering each other on, sharing food, listening to music, and coming together to remember Ben was something special.

This photo captures how the day felt to me.
Getting to hand off a raffle basket, seeing the smiles, the energy, the lightness—it was joy. Real, present, shared joy.

And in the middle of work that can feel so heavy, that matters too.
That remembering someone can look like laughter.
That honoring a life can feel like community.
That there is room for this, too.”

Have fun for Ben 💚

Love,
Erin

04/21/2026

The Ben Moody Foundation will be hosting a Mother’s Day gathering for bereaved mothers.

This is designed to be a space of connection, nurturing, and acknowledgment of our continued mothering. We will have food, body work, and time to create and be with each other.

Attendance is free, but registration is required. Follow link for more details.

Mother’s Day can be an especially tender time for those who have experienced the loss of a child. Our Bereaved Mother’s Day Gathering offers a compassionate and supportive space for mothers to come together in community, remembrance, and healing.The day begins with a shared brunch, creating a we...

04/21/2026

It was a fantastic day!

The Ben Moody Foundation, founded after Ben Moody’s death by su***de, hosts an annual skateboarding event in Eugene to honor his memory, bring the community together, and promote mental health

04/18/2026

Resource Highlight!!

We are so grateful to The City of Eugene Youth Empowerment Program for sponsoring the events today, and for all if rhetoric work they are doing with youth in Eugene. Come say hi today!!! Let’s Party!

Please tell us a little about your origin story

“We are a program that is funded by the Community Safety Payroll Tax that create safety programs for teenagers in our community.”

Please share your mission statement or overview of your purpose.

“The Youth Empowerment Program works with community partners to empower teens by building life and job skills, offering access to caring youth and adult mentors and increasing access to other vital community resources. Programs are designed to be low-barrier and inclusive so that every young person is provided the opportunity to grow up safely and access their best possible future.”

What type of services do you offer?

“Fun educational activities including a city-wide sources of strength program.”

Why is it important for your organization to collaborate with the Ben Moody Foundation at Ben’s Birthday celebration?

“Su***de Prevention is a large part of the work we are doing right now and we like what the Ben Moody Foundation is doing.”

04/18/2026

Resource Highlight!!

We have so much love for TIP of Lane County, that trains and sends volunteers out to be a support on somebody’s worst day. Having been the recipient of this type of care, we know firsthand the importance of their work. Please stop by to meet these brave, and amazing people.

Please tell us a little about your origin story

“Trauma Intervention Program ofLane County began about 3 years ago in Lane County. It’s a national nonprofit organization dedicated to providing compassionate company for people who have just received the news that a loved one has died or a fire has destroyed everything”

Please share your mission statement or overview of your purpose.

“To make sure that no one ends up feeling lost, alone, confused or hopeless after experiencing a trauma. We want to be a bridge between first responders (who have a job to do) and clients who have experienced a trauma and are overwhelmed by emotions because of that trauma.“

What type of services do you offer?

“Compassionate company after a trauma”

Is there an example or experience that you could share which reflects the work that you do?

“When we are called by first responders to the scene of a tragedy we spend time talking to the people most affected by the tragedy. If there is a person touched by tragedy that will have to find a way to move forward we offer a resource guide with information on how to contact anyone on what may come next”

Why is it important for your organization to collaborate with the Ben Moody Foundation at Ben’s Birthday celebration?

“Because no one should have to navigate the loss of a loved one, a neighbor, a home, alone. We want to make sure that anyone experiencing ANY sort of trauma is not having to go through it alone.”

04/17/2026

Resource Highlight!!

R.A.D. Is the epitome of community gathering. We love the unique community they have built, consistently showing up for each other through music. Come say hi, and listen to the bands R.A.D. supports .

Please tell us a little about your origin story

“RAD is a non-profit created by punk rock social workers, who have their own lived experience with addiction, mental health, homelessness and recovery. We believe that art and music is an integral tool in maintaining a positive mental health”

Please share your mission statement or overview of your purpose.

“Creating safe spaces, for all people, all ages, all genders, all races”

What type of services do you offer?

“We do countless community building events, including young q***r and alternative individuals. We are inching closer to getting our own space that will host all ages, sober safe space events, focused on art, music, creativity and healing”

Is there an example or experience that you could share which reflects the work that you do?

“We provide at risk and lower income youth with music equipment, to help them form bands. One of the bands playing at the show (Sargent Pitviper) was a group of young kids we helped get set up with supplies, who have formed a band, and have continued playing for years at this point. We are also in process of getting kids into the studio to record their bands for free - this will happen in May! They really love being recognized and elevated in their community, it gives them a feeling of belonging and purpose”

Why is it important for your organization to collaborate with the Ben Moody Foundation at Ben’s Birthday celebration?

“We love Ben, we want to cherish his memory, and life. He deserves to be remembered; his legacy will help other kids like him overcome barriers”

04/16/2026

Community Resource Highlight!!

This Saturday’s event would not be possible without our partnership with River House Outdoor Center. Offering year long opportunities for enjoying the outdoors in Eugene. They will be providing FREE slate instruction from 11am -1pm

Please tell us a little about your origin story

“City of Eugene Outdoor Program, 60 year anniversary is this year. Celebrating in August, COE Skate programs started in the mid to late 80s as far as I can tell with the program being a bigger part of the programs starting in early 2000s”

What type of services do you offer?

“Lessons, classes, education”

Is there an example or experience that you could share

“These drop in lessons!“

Why is it important for your organization to collaborate with the Ben Moody Foundation at Ben’s Birthday celebration?

“Do it for Money! The River House had a few of our staff who were friends and knew of Ben, additionally, we support both skateboarding and mental health intiatives as well as supporting the community at large”

04/12/2026

Community Resource Highlight!!

We are so excited to have The Push Movement joining us for the resource fair at Ben’s Birthday Celebration!!

Please tell us a little about your origin story

“We started during covid as a sober way to hangout and skate. We grew from there!”

Please share your mission statement or overview of your purpose.

“To build healthy, inclusive communities through skateboarding and creative self expression.”

What type of services do you offer?

“We offer after school, events, and sound baths as of right now.”

Is there an example or experience that you could share which reflects the work that you do?

“After school skate club”

Why is it important for your organization to collaborate with the Ben Moody Foundation at Ben’s Birthday celebration?

“Spread wellness through skateboarding”

Come meet The Push Movement on Saturday, April 18th!!

03/21/2026

We had a really great time at WJ Skatepark yesterday being in community. Thank you to Live. Grow. Share for inviting us and to everyone who stopped by our table.