About Obie
"Someone who has suffered a spinal cord injury faces enormous physical, emotional and financial obstacles. In the years following my injury, the support of the OHH Foundation made all the difference by providing financial assistance to my family and me. Because of our donors' continued generosity, the Foundation has become a widely recognized source of similar assistance to many others in the region living with spinal cord injuries." -- Obie Harrington-Howes
On July 4, 1997 Obie Harrington-Howes was paralyzed in a swimming accident at Jones Beach, New York. Obie's spinal cord injury prompted an immediate outpouring of concern from many of his friends who had come to know him through his involvement in philanthropic and town athletic organizations. In response to the multitude of people who expressed their desire to help, the Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation, a tax-exempt public charity, was formed in 1998.
Obie has been an effective force in youth sports programs as a long-time coach and board member of the Darien Youth Hockey and Lacrosse Associations. Obie has also served as Chairman of the Darien United Way (now The Community Fund of Darien), as well as a board member of Prevent Blindness Connecticut. He is currently the President of STAR, Inc., and an active participant in Darien Challenger Little League. Because of his outstanding contributions to the community, Obie was honored by being one of the carriers of the 1996 Olympic Torch when it came through Darien.
In the past twelve years, the Foundation has helped more than 200 individuals with spinal cord injuries in the state of Connecticut. OHHF has established itself as a vital financial resource for individuals with spinal cord injuries. Unique in its mission, no other organization provides similar grass roots support for this population. Although Obie no longer receives Foundation funding, his role in the Foundation and in the spinal cord injured community is enormous. As an advocate and compassionate peer mentor, Obie spends countless hours visiting and counseling newly injured individuals and their families.
The financial generosity of OHHF donors is a reflection of Obie’s unstinting personal generosity. The wisdom and benefit of his hard won experience continually guide the OHHF Board and Grants Committee volunteers in the Foundation’s interactions with applicants and grantees. He is the heart and soul of the Foundation.
“Obie’s a great guy….I know how involved he was in the community before his injury, and now, after his injury, he’s doing so much for the people who have suffered spinal cord injuries.” Tim Dunne, friend of Obie and OHHF grantee
