Tim Orth, the Foundation’s namesake, was a BOLD High School student in December of 1995, when he was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. Tim will always be remembered for his courageous fight against the cancer that claimed his life on February 14, 1997. His legacy, his fight, the Tim Orth determination and the inspiration he brought to us each day of his journey continues to be ongoing and a truly amazing gift.
The Start of “Jam the Gym”
Bill Neubauer, one of Tim’s past basketball coaches, with the help of his wife, Janelle, organized and launched the first “Jam the Gym” event upon learning of Tim’s illness. The success of the 1996 fundraiser in Bird Island, MN combined with the realization that there were other children in need, prompted Bill and Janelle to form the non-profit foundation. The name chosen for the Foundation was the Tim Orth Memorial Foundation, in honor of Tim, who inspired the first fundraiser.
TOMF’s Growing Impact
In 1999, a family friend of Bill and Janelle’s had a nephew from Glencoe, MN who was in a car accident. This was the beginning of the Glencoe “Jam the Gym” event, which has been an annual event ever since. Later, in 2001, a youth from Fairfax, MN sustained serious injuries and medical expenses, also from an auto accident. Through community ties, the family reached out to the Tim Orth Memorial Foundation and “Jam the Gym” got a start at the Fairfax school. Eventually, in 2017, the Fairfax event moved to Wabasso and now currently held in Winthrop. Today, with three annual “Jam the Gym” events, the Tim Orth Memorial Foundation is able to raise more money to support a greater number of kids with medical needs across Central Minnesota.
Since 1996, TOMF has raised over four million dollars and helped hundreds of kids who are dealing with illness or injury. A true commitment to helping kids.
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