In July 2022, the world lost an extraordinary soul when Ben Ortiz passed away unexpectedly at the age of 27. Ben was known for his deep empathy, his free spirit, and his unwavering care for others—especially those facing hardship. His absence left an immeasurable void in the lives of his family and friends, but it also sparked a commitment to honor his legacy in a way that reflected who he was and what he valued.

With the support of a generous community, Ben’s family created a memorial fund to award an annual scholarship to a graduating senior at Morris Community High School, ensuring that Ben’s kindness would continue to touch future generations. Over time, however, it became clear that his legacy could extend even further, reaching more people and causes that mattered to him.

In 2025, that vision became reality. Ben’s Way Forward—named in tribute to his love of basketball—was officially established as a nonprofit organization. Since then, the organization has supported individuals and local groups with both financial support and physical donations. Each effort carries forward Ben’s spirit of compassion, selflessness and generosity, creating a lasting impact on the community he cared for so deeply.