Memory of SBHS Grad Chris Ward Lives On Through Foundation

South Brunswick High School graduate Chris Ward had his life tragically cut short at the age of 24, but his memory lives on. Ward was killed on Oct. 25, 2010, in a one-car accident in Franklin Township, returning home from his teaching job at Bridgewater-Raritan High School.

"His love of life, infectious personality and crazy hats, sneakers and clothes made him stand out in the crowd and got him noticed," said Chris' mother Maureen Ward via email. "He had such a positive impact on the people he met, so much that when they walked away from him, they knew they had made a friend for life."

Ward lived in South Brunswick since he was one-year old and graduated from South Brunswick High School in 2004. He played varsity soccer and lacrosse for SBHS and went on to Kean University, where he played lacrosse.  Chris also played travel soccer for South Brunswick since he was about 8-years-old, Maureen said.

Following his death, Ward's friends and family decided to keep his memory alive through scholarships and promoting youth recreation involvement. 

During the first year of the Chris Ward Memorial Foundation, the organization gave back to the community through volunteer work, such as the Zilinski Memorial Run and various other organizations, Maureen said.

The foundation also awarded three scholarships to students graduating from South Brunswick High School and Bridgewater-Raritan High School. In addition, the foundation donated money to the Big Brother-Big Sister organization and the South Brunswick Family YMCA in Chris' name.

"(Chris) touched so many people in the short time he was here with us, so we decided to try and continue the good that he would have done had he lived," Maureen said.

In an effort to raise funds to continue charity work in Chris' name, an event will be held on Sunday (Feb. 26) at the North Brunswick Pub from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

A $25 donation will include three drink tickets that are good for anything the bar serves, as well as a t-shirt. There will also be a raffle for a number of great prizes, including a seven-night stay in Aruba, Coach handbags, gift certificates, sports memorabilia, event tickets and more.

The North Brunswick Pub is located at 1864 Route 1 in North Brunswick.

To learn more about how you can help the Chris Ward Memorial Foundation click here.