The O'Neill Foundation of Hope

Thank you for your ongoing generosity to support these stories of hope.

After losing her job, housing, and living alone in a Minneapolis homeless shelter, Thandeka is a young woman the foundation helped secure temporary, safe housing. A special thanks to Charity Malmberg and Trademark Title for their generosity.

Sharon was recently diagnosed with level three breast cancer. Insurance was threating to stop her chemotherapy treatment without payment. Not able to work, the foundation made payments, and she now is able to focus on her treatment and healing.

Jamie is a mother of two small children. Experiencing food scarcity, the foundation helped with a grocery gift card to help this kind family.

Amiya is a young professional who fell ill and was hospitalized. Unable to work, she fell behind on her car payments and was close to losing her vehicle. The foundation helped with a car payment, allowing her some time to get caught up.

Heather is a single mom of two. After eighteen years of 24/7 care for her disabled daughter, Heather has recently had distressing medical test results, many doctor appointments, and she was unable to work. So she could focus on her children, her recovery, and her health, the foundation helped with car payments.

Having experienced recent bank fraud/theft and significant car issues, Jamie was close to eviction. The foundation helped with rental and car repair assistance.

Lastly, we have a kind request and rally cry for anyone looking to donate:

To be closer to Mayo Clinic, Brent and Holli moved to MN with their young son. Holli has a rare medical condition and is one of two surviving patients in the US in her age group. Holli and Brent are both employed and working full time. However, with expensive treatments and missing work, they lost their home. And with their car breaking down, they currently are not able to pay for the repairs. They are living in a hotel and driving a rental car. They are requesting any financial contributions to pay for repairs that have been completed ($3000.)

To get or give HOPE, visit: https://www.oneillhope.org/get-help

Meet our friend and an all-around wonderful guy and talented musician, Cory (and his wife Angie.)

They moved this past April from Utah to Minnesota to get Cory better care for his kidney failure.

To be placed onto the kidney transplant list in Minnesota, Cory needed to show the medical team a permanent address and sanitary living environment.

However, since arriving in Minnesota, they have had numerous unexpected challenges presented to them.

And as a result, they had been living in an extended stay hotel.

With critical time passing, the medical team had not been able to begin the process get Cory onto the transplant list.

Thanks however to your help and generosity, the foundation was now able to help Cory and Angie secure a two-year lease on a great St Paul home.

And provide them with some needed home furnishings to help them get settled in their new home.

Cory has already met with his medical team at the new home. And things are moving forward in a positive manner to get hopefully added to the transplant list as soon as possible.

On behalf of all of us at The O'Neill Foundation of Hope and our community at large, we are praying for you and your complete recovery, Cory.

We know you and Angie have bright and hopeful days ahead.

To get or give HOPE, visit: https://www.oneillhope.org/get-help

This past week, we have had the honor of meeting so many wonderful people. Thank you for your ongoing generosity to support these stories of hope.

JJ was shot three years ago and is currently in a wheelchair trying to rehab. Recently he had his identity card stolen as well. Unable to receive his monthly benefits as a result, the foundation helped him get a new ID card, set up a checking account, and also purchase some groceries. He is such a wonderful young man and has a bright future ahead.

Amy was unable to get a kidney transplant in MN and has been getting treatment in SD. After a life of hard work, she is now on a fixed income and driving to and from her treatments has put major wear and tear on her vehicle. The foundation helped her with new tires, alignment, and oil change.

Thandeka was unexpectedly laid off from her job and found herself in a homeless shelter and looking for a new job. With family out of the country, she is alone and needed help. The foundation helped her get her things into storage and got her a gift card to help make ends meet until she can secure a new job.

Kristina is a school nurse who saves all school year to care for her children over the summer. She unfortunately experienced a very serious medical emergency and all of her savings were used for medical expenses. The foundation was able to help with a utility bill to help her in these last couple of weeks before the school year starts again.

Allison is a door dash driver who slipped on ice and broker her leg in several places. She had been unable to work due to ongoing surgeries and PT. The foundation was able to help her with new tires on her car, a grocery and a gas gift card, and some new clothes. She is back to work and ready to move past this part of her life.

Rose is a kind woman who works at a convenience store was encouraged to take a loan to help her file her income tax returns. What she didn’t know is that she wasn’t getting money back. After she was robbed, she didn’t have enough to pay her debt. The foundation helped her pay off the loan.

To get or give HOPE, visit: https://www.oneillhope.org/get-help

Meet our friend Dawn.

Over time, Dawn’s vision has progressively gotten worse.

In 2022 (because of diabetic retinopathy), she was no longer able to perform her work duties.

Though Dawn loved her job and her coworkers, she was forced to retire.

Now legally blind and having lost much of her independence, life has been (understandably) extremely challenging for her.

Sometimes, however, it is the little things in life that can make a big difference.

We had learned of Dawn’s simple request for a larger TV.

She was hoping to connect her tablet to a larger TV so that she could more effectively communicate with others, enjoy a movie, and watch the Olympics.

Thanks to your generosity, Dawn now has a large 65-inch TV that will allow her to do just this.

Despite her health challenges, Dawn continues to live her life with a smile on her face.

Instead of focusing on what she does not have, she is focusing on the positive.

No doubt her bright and positive spirit was truly an inspiration to us.

To get or give HOPE, visit: https://www.oneillhope.org/get-help

Meet our friend Nick.

Nick is a wonderful father, a kindhearted friend to so many, and an extremely hard worker as well.

Recently however, he was hit by another car in a car accident.

After he got out of the car to exchange insurance information with the other driver, Nick was assaulted.

The other man hit him over the head with pipe.

Not knowing what happened, Nick woke up in an ambulance.

As a result of this trauma, he suffered stitches, a severe head, hip, and hand injury as well.

Not able to work as a result of this assault as well, Nick fell behind in his rent.

The landlord sent an eviction notice and soon thereafter, we learned of Nick and his story.

Thanks to your continued generosity, Nick is now caught up with his rent.

Back to work as well, Nick is now able to continue to heal through this terrible ordeal he experienced.

Thank you for all you do for others, Nick.

In spite of what you have endured, your positive spirit and kindness are truly a bright light to us and to all who you meet!

To get or give HOPE, visit: https://www.oneillhope.org/get-help

Daniel Dunrud courageously battled metastatic melanoma for two years, before he passed away on February 3rd, 2024 (surrounded by his loved ones.)

Dan was a wonderful father, husband, and kind friend to so many. And as the sole provider for his family, his wife Maggie cared full time for their sons, Spencer and Wesley.

The Dunrud’s have a large lawn to mow and this year, their mower was always breaking down and not working properly. And with everything Maggie and her two young boys have had to endured, the additional chore of mowing had taken a toll.

Thanks however to Christi Barten Ryburn and Kristen Hirsch's thoughtfulness, Kristen reached out to The O'Neill Foundation of Hope to ask for help for her friend. So that Maggie and her boys can most importantly…focus on healing. And in the process, continue to know how much they are loved by so many in our community.

To honor this special family and to honor Daniel, today they received that new lawnmower.

A special thank you to Jon at Tri-State Bobcat and Jake Novak for your generous support and help.

To get or give HOPE for someone in your life who may have fallen through the cracks or is struggling, visit:

https://www.oneillhope.org/get-help

You and your family and friends are welcome at our annual charity golf tournament on August 1st. All monies to benefit The O'Neill Foundation of Hope. Thank you for spreading the word to your family and friends! We really do appreciate your kind support.

Register and pay here to play/donate/sponsor:
https://www.oakmarshevents.com/MN-real-estate-team.aspx

Send a message to learn more

In our efforts at The O'Neill Foundation of Hope, we help at least one family or individual per week who is experiencing serious difficulties and often unexpected challenges.

Thanks to you and your care, we learn about our those most needing special care and assistance because of your kindness and nomination at https://www.oneillhope.org/get-help.

Our dear friend Mercedes contacted us recently about her friend who is currently facing serious medical conditions affecting her livelihood. With mounting medical bills, treatment had unfortunately stopped.

However, after connecting with her friend directly, we were able to help with a portion of a medical bill that was about to go to collections.

Treatment can now continue.

And most importantly, her energy and focus can be on healing and recovery.

Thank you Mercedes Forslund for your kindness and care for your friend. We are truly grateful for you! And thank you to each of you who have reached out to us to nominate someone you know.

If you or someone you know is going through a difficult time, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at www.ONeillHope.org.

Thanks to your ongoing support, generosity, and nominations, some stories of HOPE to share this Sunday:

Michelle is the single mom of four sons. She now has a kitchen table where she and her family can have dinner. And she has a new couch where they can sit and spend time as a family. And even though her disabilities have made work difficult, she is striving to complete her AA and graduate degrees in social work.

Martina has epilepsy and recently fell, breaking a bone hear her leg. Unable to work at the same level, her friend nominated her for rental assistance and a new mattress. Thanks to you and your support, she too is now looking forward to the ability to pay it forward to others as well

Timothy is a single parent who has struggled with ongoing health issues. However, he is optimistic, hardworking, and committed to providing the best life for his daughter. Now with a new pair of shoes and socks, some groceries, an active cell phone, and some rental assistance, he has a little more confidence and increased Faith.

Cat had a double mastectomy recently and is on work leave. Now with some gas and food gift cards, she can continue to focus most importantly on her health and getting better.

Though in a difficult situation through no fault of their own, Frank and his young son are grateful now to have electricity again.

Unable to work after a significant work injury (and having explored all state and local rental assistance options), Lisa is now so grateful for rental assistance.

Looking to get or give a family or someone additional HOPE this Summer?

Visit: https://www.oneillhope.org/get-help

We love this guy so much...Kyle Schultz, Jodi Elizabeth Halverson, and their whole family. Kyle brings a smile, light, and HOPE to everyone he meets!

A story of HOPE to share:

As the sole earner for his family of six, Eduardo has always worked extremely hard his entire life (and never asked for any assistance.)

However, after suffering a significant ankle injury, he has been unable to work for two months. And with bills mounting, this kind hearted family didn’t know where to turn.

Thanks to your ongoing support, generosity, and nomination, Eduardo and his family have been given some additional HOPE for a brighter tomorrow.

Utility bills paid and groceries now purchased.

Eduardo said he also looks forward to the day he will be able to pay it forward to another family or person in the very near future.

Looking to get or give a family or someone additional HOPE this Spring?

Visit: https://www.oneillhope.org/get-help

Two stories of HOPE to share from this past week:

We had the kind opportunity to meet a pretty amazing person. With several medical conditions (and needing to move closer to her medical team), she has been unable to work. Without work, bills were mounting. Thanks to your generosity, the foundation paid off a larger utility bill. This took a huge weight off and allows her to focus on healing.

We also learned of a single mom, who had starting homebound schooling for her severely autistic son. In the process of setting up the schooling, she missed two weeks of work. Thanks to you, the foundation helped her avoid eviction.

To get or give HOPE, visit: https://www.oneillhope.org/get-help

With ongoing health issues, this wonderful father needed a little extra HOPE and collective love from us all. Thanks to your ongoing support, the foundation helped with rent, a cell phone bill, and a grocery gift card. In today's world, sometimes we all can use a little more HOPE and well-deserved help. If you know someone going through an unusually tough time, you can get or give HOPE by visiting: https://www.oneillhope.org/get-help

The O'Neill Foundation of Hope wanted to express our sincerest thanks to Colleen and Pastor Ryan Kron for generously donating their Honda Odyssey Van to the foundation (Ryan is Pastor at Emmaus Road Reformed Church, http://www.emmausrcus.org.) And a special thank you as well to Nick Lawson and his awesome team at Autopia Bloomington (https://www.autopiabloomington.com) for donating their time in tuning up the vehicle. Lastly, thanks to Christi Barten Ryburn and her passionate commitment to serve others, we collectively gifted a young expecting family this vehicle on Thursday. Now having a safe vehicle to drive, they too have a sense of hope in a brighter future ahead. To get or give hope, visit: www.ONeillHope.org. A Happy Easter, Happy Passover, and Happy Spring to all!

Over the past weeks, The O'Neill Foundation of Hope has been busy working to lift up and provide HOPE to those in our communities.

Thanks to your ongoing generosity, here are 12 wonderful families we have met and helped. And in the process, inspired us.

To get or give HOPE, visit www.ONeillHope.org

- Jerry was recently diagnosed with cancer. Just after diagnosis, his E-bicycle stolen. This was his primary mode of transportation and gave him the joy necessary to try and stay positive. We bought him some comfortable shoes and pants to wear to appointments. We also bought him a new E-bike, so he can enjoy some independence and peace of mind.

- Having experienced a terrible apartment fire, we helped a young family with the security deposit on new apartment and provided a grocery gift card as well.

- Tanya’s husband passed recently and she is struggling to make ends meet. She was also injured in an accident and has had many surgeries. As a result, she has been unable to work. She had fallen behind on her mortgage payments and we paid the month she was behind, so she can focus on her recovery.

- Harold and his wife were the unfortunate victims of discrimination and racism in their current neighborhood. As elderly members of their community, moving is of course already difficult. We were able to arrange a large U-Haul to move them in one trip (and paid for the rental deposit in their new home.)

- Though seeing impaired, Lori has never let that or anything else hold her back. However, when her computer workstation went down, we know we needed to step up and help. She now has a new computer workstation to help her work and communicate most effectively with all.

- In spite of many past challenges, April did not give up hope. We helped her get her license and care insurance reinstated. Now she is looking for steady work and is excited to move onward and upward.

- A true champion and all-around class act, Andy now has a body tonal machine on the way to help build strength as he continues to recover from an accident. He is truly an inspiration to us all.

- Dianne is an elderly grandmother with dementia. She had fallen behind on her utility bills, resulting in her power company turning off her electricity. Her grandson reached out to us, and we were able to get her power turned back on.

- Amy is a selfless and giving member of the community who works as a para in her school district. Her young family is dealing with several severe medical issues, and they have been finding it difficult to make ends meet. We helped Amy and her family with gift cards to her favorite grocery store.

- Michele is on a limited income and suffered fraudulent activity on her bank account. She was unaware that she was falling behind on her HOA payments until the association threatened action. We were able to help her get caught up and avoid negative consequences from the association.

- Elaine is a grandmother (raising two of her grandsons) whose car was not safe to drive. We got her brakes replaced, so she can safely get the boys around and get to and from work. One of grandson’s mattresses was very old and uncomfortable. We’re grateful we could purchase him a new, comfortable bed.

- Megan is a survivor and thriver. Against all odds and having experienced a number of personal challenges, she is working to create her own new ride share company whose focus is on women and children and how to safely transport them in the metro area. The foundation paid her tabs for the year and got her insurance reinstated. The sky is the limit for her, and we can’t wait to see what she builds.

Meet our friend and wonderful guy, Jerry. He is battling a recent, serious cancer diagnosis. And to add insult to injury, he recently had his only transportation, his Electric Bike stolen.

Thanks to your ongoing generosity, Jerry has a new E-bike now. And most importantly, a sense of hope in the future (to help him during this otherwise dark time in his life.)

We are praying for you, for your health, and for your whole family, Jerry.

To get or give hope to someone you know, visit www.ONeillHope.org.

This past month, thanks to your generosity, The O'Neill Foundation of Hope has helped some wonderful individuals and families.

Together, we want to assist so many who are often forgotten in our communities.

To give HOPE, here are six stories to share:

Thomas – was in a serious car accident and been unable to work. The foundation helped with his rent as he now moves forward, looking to heal both physically and mentally.

Tamara - a single mother of an autistic child, she struggles to make ends meet and get the help her daughter needs. She had an old sofa from her grandmother and didn’t have a dining table and chairs, so they were eating on her floor. We purchased her family a new sofa and dining set.

Allison & David – a kind older couple on a limited income. David was recently diagnosed with three different forms of cancer. And their bed had springs that were poking through. We replaced the rear tires and wiper blades on their car. We also provided a box spring and new mattress.

Emily – with her mother’s death, a lost pregnancy, and her young son being injured and requiring surgery, she had to stop working to care for her son. Unfortunately, her husband also lost his job. We were able to help them with grocery gift cards, and her husband thankfully found a new job. We also made connections to provide financial guidance and are on the road to a debt free life.

Beth – a single mother who escaped an abusive relationship with her toddler’s father. She is living with family and looking for work. We found a couple of potential employment options that may work. The foundation also helped her with a significant gift card that went to gas, daycare, and new shoes for her little boy.

Julie – for a variety of reasons, she needs a storage unit. However, she was behind on payments and needed to remove some of her important items. The foundation helped catch her up and she is moving her things with the help of Love, Inc.

Please don’t hesitate to let us know of anyone going through a difficult time at:

https://www.oneillhope.org/get-help

And as always, your kind donations are so appreciated and go so far to help those struggling.

Together, we can all make a difference and give HOPE!

A video on The O'Neill Foundation of Hope and who we serve. Happy New Year to each of you and your families!

The O'Neill Foundation of Hope The O’Neill Foundation of Hope is a 501c3 foundation started in 2022 by piano-playing brothers Tim and Ryan O’Neill. The O’Neills and their families wanted t...

Thank you to Chad W. Jeske and Twin Cities Real Producers for this nomination and bringing more awareness to The O'Neill Foundation of Hope. We are looking forward to an awesome event and supporting all three of these outstanding organizations.

Congratulations to all of the COMMUNITY BUILDER AWARD finalists!
COMMUNITY BUILDER: Who has had the most giving heart in 2023?

Final voting is now open and the award winner will be announced live at the Twin Cities Real Producers Realtor® Choice Awards— the biggest event of the year— on FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16th, 2024!

Vote NOW by clicking the link in our bio! (Final voting closes January 12th.)

Proceeds from this event will benefit O'Neill Foundation of Hope, Dylan Witschen Foundation, and Masonic Children's Hospital.

A special thanks to our event sponsors: Spacecrafting, AAA Movers, Movement Mortgage, AGNT Media, and Union Home Mortgage.

Don't forget to RSVP to the event on February 16th! Email us if you didn't receive your invite. We hope to see you there!

We are getting excited for the three Holiday Concerts next weekend in Edina! Friday night, Saturday, and Sunday afternoon. It will be a fun show for the entire family! All ticket sales benefit the foundation and our collective work. Thank you for your generous support this Holiday Season!

2023 Holiday Tickets On Sale Now! Tim and Ryan are performing again on two grand pianos this December. For ticket information, visit www.pianobrothers.com 2023 Holiday Tickets On Sale Now! Tim and Ryan are performing again on two grand pianos this December. For ticket information, visit www.pianobrothers.com

Two Brothers, Two Pianos, One Cause! A Fun Holiday Concert for the Whole Family.

All ticket sales benefit The O'Neill Foundation of Hope.

2023 Holiday Tickets On Sale Now! Tim and Ryan are performing again on two grand pianos this December. For ticket information, visit www.pianobrothers.com 2023 Holiday Tickets On Sale Now! Tim and Ryan are performing again on two grand pianos this December. For ticket information, visit www.pianobrothers.com

The O’Neill Foundation of Hope, founded in 2022, is driven by a mission to offer hope and practical assistance to those grappling with life’s toughest challenges. Whether it’s coping with tragedy, enduring long-term illness, or confronting job loss, we provide immediate solutions like short-term crisis housing, vehicle repair help, and mobility aid to rekindle the flame of purpose.

You can see examples of who we have helped on our website, including the WCCO news story about Kyle, a young man with ALS who needed a new power wheelchair (https://www.oneillhope.org/post/wcco-tv-news-story-www-oneillhope-org). Also, on our page, you can read about other stories such as Stephanie, a young mom of three children, who was without a vehicle.

Our goal is to help one family/individual per week in crisis and to raise $100,000 by end of year 2023. We’ve raised $35,000 and with your help, we can achieve our goal! Purchase tickets to our holiday show (https://www.pianobrothers.com/news/ONeill-Brothers-2023-concert.asp) (100% ticket proceeds benefit the foundation) or donate at www.ONeillHope.org.

We are so grateful to have met Stephanie (who our friend Christi Barten Ryburn nominated.) Stephanie is such a wonderful mother of three. However, no transportation as a single parent can make life especially challenging. Thanks to you all and your generosity, The O'Neill Foundation of Hope purchased a vehicle for Stephanie and her children. One step at a time, one person at a time, we will continue to do our best to bring more HOPE to this world! To support our cause or nominate someone in need, go to www.ONeillHope.org.

Thanks to your generosity, The O'Neill Foundation of Hope continues to be very active. This past week, we were able to help a number of wonderful people. We assisted with a delinquent water bill that was forcing potential eviction for a young man, provided groceries and an updated recliner/rest chair for a kind friend, purchased some basic clothing and items for a man in need, and paid for a hotel stay for a family in crisis. Please reach out to nominate anyone you know going through a difficult time and needing HOPE: https://www.oneillhope.org/get-help

Beth Shoger Novak, Tim O'Neill Kathy Keane

In an effort to help even more families and individuals, The O'Neill Foundation of Hope is so excited to welcome Beth Shoger Novak as the Director of Hope. Beth is someone who is extremely caring, thoughtful, and generous. She will be working in an organizational, foundation recipient care/support, and growth role for the foundation. Through her and our entire team's efforts, our goal is to help even more people who may be struggling in our communities. At any time, please don't hesitate to nominate someone you may know who is going through a challenging time at: https://www.oneillhope.org/get-help. Welcome to The O'Neill Foundation of Hope, Beth!