It was a crisp, cool day at the Orchard Place Residential Campus. Birds chirping high in the trees, leaves beginning to turn, and a family walked the grounds, reminiscing about a legacy deeply rooted in compassion and service.
“Growing up, our parents always talked about Orchard Place,” shared a member of the Ritchie Family. Wyatt, Andrea, and B.J., children of Weston Robert Ritchie, who passed away in July of 2022, visited the campus to honor their parents’ memory. Wes, who served for many years on the Orchard Place board, had a deep passion for making a difference in the lives of those at Orchard Place. Which led him to serve on the organization’s board years ago. Together with his wife Karen, Wes chose to leave a lasting legacy by including Orchard Place in their estate plans.
During their visit, the Ritchie family presented Orchard Place with a generous $100,000 charitable gift. Fulfilling their parents’ wishes. This meaningful contribution will pave the way for children and families to have continued resources and a safe environment to access mental health care for years to come.
Giving them a tour, Amy Payne-Johnson, Volunteers and Special Events Director, said she remembered their father. “He was a personable man, who made himself present, not just with the Orchard Place staff, but with the children and families being served.” Wes and Karen built a life centered on family, service, and community. A legacy that continues to inspire.
Katie Snell, Vice President of the Orchard Place Foundation, expressed heartfelt gratitude. “This gift ensures children and families will continue to have access to vital resources and will help us Develop Strong Futures,” she said. “Thank you to the entire Ritchie Family for honoring Wes and Karen’s legacy and for your continued support of children’s mental health.”
To learn how you can support Orchard Place and the children and families we serve, click here.
