Michael's Gift

01/06/2026

In honor of we would like to share the story behind Michael's Gift and challenge you to share the love by spreading the word or by donating.

Michael Faulkner Ridgeway was born on August 26, 1991. His parents are Michael and Ann Ridgeway and his two sisters are, Sarah and Katherine. Michael loved music, art and sports. He always wore a bright smile and was very sensitive to those around him. He was always concerned for other children and help those who were in need.
Michael died unexpectedly at the age of six and so Michael's Gift was established as a memorial fund in his name to be used to help Orange County youth reach their full potential. The funds can be used to fund enrichment activities such as karate, art classes, sports programs, sports supplies, music lessons and more. To find out more information and/or to apply, you can do so here: https://orangecountyva.gov/285/Michaels-Gift
Parents who cannot afford to pay for their children's extracurricular activities or equipment can apply to the Michael's Gift fund for help in managing these costs here: https://orangecova.arux.app/
To Make A Contribution:
You can help by making a tax-deductible donation to this special fund. All gifts will go directly to assisting Orange Country children participate in many different activities. Checks can be made payable to Orange County with a notation in the memo for Michael's Gift. All payments can be mailed to Michael's Gift c/o Orange OOY 146 Madison Road, Suite 102, Orange, VA 22960. A receipt of payment will be returned to you in a timely manner. You can also donate by debit or credit card by visiting our donations portal and choosing "Michael's Gift" from the drop-down menu (here): https://orangecountyva.tylerportico.com/payments/billsearch/

12/09/2025

Michael Faulkner Ridgeway was born on August 26, 1991. His parents are
Michael and Ann Ridgeway and two sisters, Sarah and Katherine. Michael loved music, art and sports. He always wore a bright smile and was very sensitive to those around him. He was always concerned for other children and help those who were in need.
Michael died unexpectedly at the age of six and so Michael's Gift was established as a memorial fund in his name to be used to help Orange County youth reach their full potential. The funds can be used to fund enrichment activities such as karate, art classes, sports programs, sports supplies, music lessons and more. To find out more information and/or to apply, you can do so here: https://orangecountyva.gov/285/Michaels-Gift
Parents who cannot afford to pay for their children's extracurricular activities or equipment can apply to the Michael's Gift fund for help in managing these costs here: https://orangecova.arux.app/
To Make A Contribution:
You can help by making a tax-deductible donation to this special fund. All gifts will go directly to assisting Orange Country children participate in many different activities. Checks can be made payable to Orange County with a notation in the memo for Michael's Gift. All payments can be mailed to Michael's Gift c/o Orange OOY 146 Madison Road, Suite 102, Orange, VA 22960. A receipt of payment will be returned to you in a timely manner. You can also donate by debit or credit card by visiting our donations portal and choosing "Michael's Gift" from the drop-down menu (here): https://orangecountyva.tylerportico.com/payments/billsearch/

10/01/2025

This picture...it means so much to Michael's Gift and the Ridgeway family. Mrs. Carolyn Herndon was Michael's teacher. When he passed away, she and his Kindergarten class planted a tree outside of her classroom. The year Michael's class was to graduate, she went and hung a star on that same tree. Her efforts have helped keep Michael's memory alive. The family and MG Committee are so thankful for her continued support and love.

Picture (L-R): Carolyn Herndon, Micahel's sisters Sarah (Ridgeway) Scott and Katherine Ridgeway Fahey, and Michael's niece Evelyn Fahey.

09/10/2025

A BIG thank you to everyone who came out and supported our program at the Orange Street Festival this past weekend! If you are interested in learning more about the program visit our website at https://orangecountyva.gov/285/Michaels-Gift or email OOY Director Alisha Vines at [email protected].

Also a BIG thank you to the Ridgeway family and friends who manned the table at helped spread the word and to and for their support!

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...

08/28/2025

Come support Orange County youth through flowers at the Orange Street Festival! and are teaming up to host a Michael’s Gift fundraiser at the street festival on Saturday, Sept. 6.

Every penny you spend on blooms will be donated directly to Michael’s Gift. These funds support parents who are struggling to pay for their kid's extracurricular activities, sports equipment, camps and more!

Saturday, Sept. 6: 10am-4pm in Downtown Orange
Sponsored by Orange Chamber of Commerce

08/31/2024

STAMPING OUT SU***DE ( S. O. S. )
FRIDAY , SEPTEMBER 27 , 2024 1 PM - 5 PM
THEME: CREATING HOPE THROUGH ACTION

FREE EVENT -
Hazel Hall of Laurel Ridge Community College, Fauquier Campus
6480 College Street, Warrenton, VA

Everyone is impacted by su***de.

One Afternoon.
One Community.

07/10/2024

Orange County! Our SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE has kicked off. There are bins around the county for school supply donations.
Take a look at the flier to see what supplies are needed!

Donation Bins are at:
*Dollar General - Orange - 543 Madison Rd.
*Blue Ridge Bank -Orange - 169 N. Madison Rd.
*Orange Library - 146 N Madison Rd.
*The Gordon Building - W. Main Street, Orange
*The Sedwick Building - 146 Madison Road, Orange
*The Gordonsville Library - 319 N Main St. , Gordonsville
*Family Dollar - Orange - 143 N Madison Rd.
*Wilderness Library - 6421 Flat Run Rd., Locust Grove
*Mama's Pizza - 32311 Constitution Hwy, Locust Grove
*The Licata Group - 36111 Goodwin Drive, Locust Grove

A BIG THANK YOU to these awesome businesses for allowing us to collect &
THANK YOU FOR ALL OF YOUR DONATIONS!!!