BEN OSBORN MEMORIAL FUND
"Giving Kids a Little Lift"
Cpl. Benjamin D. Osborn
Benjamin D. Osborn was a proud son of the southern Adirondacks, a Queensbury native and 2002 Lake George High School graduate whose roots in this community ran deep. He was a standout athlete in both football and baseball, remembered especially for the toughness and heart he brought to the field, where his No. 40 became a lasting symbol for so many who knew him. But Ben was more than an athlete. Friends and family remembered him as fun-loving, full of life, respectful, compassionate, adventurous, and always ready to help others. Those same qualities carried into his military service. Ben served with honor in the United States Army, deploying to both Iraq and Afghanistan, and was remembered not only as a proud soldier, but as a man of character, courage, and selfless dedication to something bigger than himself. He loved this region, loved his people, and left an imprint on Lake George and the surrounding community that still endures.
Ben was killed while serving his country in Afghanistan in 2010, and this memorial fund was established by his father, William D. Osborn, in his remembrance so that Ben’s positive impact could continue in the lives of others.
Our Mission
The Ben Osborn Memorial Fund, Inc. was founded to support local children with need. This fund was created in loving memory of CPL Benjamin D. Osborn. Ben was killed during a combat rescue mission in Kunar Province, Afghanistan on June 15, 2010; this was while serving in the United States Army in the war on terror during Operation Enduring Freedom.
It is our mission and hope that the values he learned such as a charitable heart, work ethic, sportsmanship, leadership, discipline, and pride will all be encouraged and passed on through Ben’s legacy. Ben’s fund is supported by people like you in our local communities. All that you give goes to support our 11 programs. There are no utilities to pay, no gas or automotive allowances, and no administrative costs.
We fundraise locally, we buy locally, we help locally.
Our Eleven (11) Initiatives
GENERAL GIVING
Where our mission first took shape, built around the simple idea of giving kids a little lift in whatever way they need it most. From something as small as an $8 sewing kit to a $1,000 cello for school use, this core program continues to provide essential support like school supplies, clothing, footwear, musical and sports equipment, and help with educational expenses — and it will only keep growing. LEARN MORE >
HOLIDAY GIVING
For twelve years, our Christmas Giving program has helped create holiday magic for local children in need through trusted school partnerships. With the help of many generous elves, we shop, wrap, and deliver each gift individually to bring a little Christmas lift to the families we serve. LEARN MORE >
SENIOR SCHOLARSHIPS
Each year, the Ben Osborn Memorial Fund awards scholarships to local students continuing on to college or trade school. These scholarships honor Ben’s legacy by recognizing young people who reflect the values of good character, service, self-improvement, and a charitable heart. LEARN MORE >
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL INITIATIVE
Our School Support program helps meet everyday needs that can quietly affect a child’s comfort, confidence, and ability to learn. From nutritious snacks to extra clothing, blankets, and care kits, we work with partner schools to make sure students have the support they need to return to class with comfort and dignity. LEARN MORE >
LOCAL FOOD PANTRIES
Our Food Pantry Support program helps families in a practical, often overlooked way by providing personal hygiene and household essentials that are not always readily available. Through quarterly donations to 11 local food pantries, we’re able to support children and families with items that make everyday life a little easier. LEARN MORE >
BEN'S BOOK STATIONS
Ben’s Book Stations help spark a love of reading across Warren, Washington, and Saratoga counties by making books easy for children and families to access. Built through community partnerships and stocked on an honor system, these stations give young readers the chance to borrow a book, return it, or keep it if it becomes a favorite. LEARN MORE >
HYGIENE KITS
Ben’s Personal Hygiene Kits give students practical essentials that support health, confidence, and self-care during important growing years. With thousands of kits distributed through school health offices, this program helps young people access everyday items they need while also giving them a reusable bag they can keep using. LEARN MORE >
SPONSORED ORGANIZATIONS
Ben’s Fund is proud to support many local schools, food pantries, and community organizations throughout the region. Click through to see the extensive list of partners helping us give kids and families a little lift. LEARN MORE >
BEN'S BEARS
Ben’s Bears grew from a nickname filled with love, as Ben’s mother Beverly always called him her “teddy bear” and later simply “Bear.” Today, that same spirit of comfort and care lives on through this program, which places large teddy bears into the arms of local children facing trauma, hardship, or loss to help them feel safe, loved, and remembered. LEARN MORE >
BEN'S ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM
Our Community Stewardship program gives students a chance to serve others by helping care for the places we all share. Through seasonal roadside cleanups, young people from our partner schools learn that giving back can make a real difference close to home. LEARN MORE >
BEN'S SCHOOL LITERACY PROGRAM
Our Kindergarten Reading Program is helping build a love of books early by pairing monthly story time with free books for students to keep at home. What began as a successful pilot in Hudson Falls is now expanding to more local schools, giving hundreds of young readers the chance to grow their very own home libraries. LEARN MORE >
Contact Us
Please consider supporting our mission with a donation or reach out to learn more about how we’re helping local kids and families. Every donation and every connection helps us "Give Kids a Little Lift."