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 strategic 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."
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 fellow Darien, Connecticut residents who had come to know him through his involvement in philanthropic and town athletic organizations. In response to the countless friends who expressed their desire to help, the Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation, a tax-exempt public charity, was formed.
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 as well as a board member of Prevent Blindness Connecticut, and STAR, Inc. He is currently 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.