ALL FOR MONEY
Ben-AKA Money Jones
When we were choosing a name for Ben, his father wanted to name him Money Jones. His Mother said "absolutely not" figuring he was joking. Eventually the name Benjamin was settled on being a reference to Benjamins (Money) for his dad and a strong boy name for his mom.
Benjamin Scott-Jones Moody was born on April 14th, 2004
Yes, the Jones snuck in there too. Although his mom tried to omit that second middle name in all the official paperwork throughout school, and doctors, and sports. Ben always noticed, and said "Don't forget the Jones!" Hence he was known as Money Jones throughout his friend circle and at the skatepark.
Ben learned how to stand on a skateboard before he could walk. Throughout his life he learned to love skateboarding more and more. Skateboarding provided Ben a outlet for his ever moving body to focus. It challenged his immense bravery with his desire to accomplish the best tricks, it instilled perseverance. Ben had anxiety in social situations, but he could go to any city's skatepark and make friends there. Skateboarding was his home-everywhere.
You'll see some of Ben's favorite things throughout all of our events. He loved Chinese lemon chicken and cosmic brownies. Hip hop music, and graffiti. And of course skateboarding.
Ben was born to entertain, his favorite person to make laugh was his older brother, Drake. He loved fishing, riding dirt bikes, and being in nature with his Dad. He loved road trips filled with skatepark visits, and new food explorations with his Mom.
We are here - All For Money. We will love you forever Ben.
Summer LeMay-Founding President and Ben's Mom
Hi, I’m Summer—Ben’s mom, and the founding president of The Ben Moody Foundation. I’ve lived in Eugene for many years and deeply love this community that has supported my family and my work. As a nurse leader for 23 years, I’ve dedicated my career to caring for others and strengthening systems of support. My husband and I raised a blended family of four boys here, and I consider myself a fierce and unwavering advocate for my son Ben, fighting to ensure he was seen, supported, and understood. Today, that same commitment guides my work and the heart I bring to our community.
For most of their childhood, I watched Ben and his older brother Drake fall in love with skateboarding. From the time they could walk, they had boards under their feet. I spent countless hours at skateparks, in driveways, and on sidewalks—watching them push themselves, cheer each other on, fall hard, get back up, and land tricks that made them feel unstoppable. Skateboarding was more than just a sport to them. It was freedom. It was friendship. It was joy.
After losing Ben to suicide, my world shattered. In the depths of that pain, I found comfort in the only place I could: the arms of other parents who had experienced the unimaginable. Their presence, understanding, and love helped me start to breathe again. I carry their strength—and Ben’s spirit—with me every day.
The Ben Moody Foundation is my way of honoring Ben’s light and legacy. We believe in the power of skateboarding to heal, to connect, and to uplift. We’re here to support young people, to open up real conversations about mental health, and to walk alongside others who are navigating life after loss.
About
Erin Grace - Secretary, Founding Board Member
My name is Erin Grace, and I’m grateful to serve on the board of the Ben Moody Foundation. I am a nurse, a wife, and a mom, and I have always had a passion for supporting youth in our community. I’m also a nonprofit leader, so I know firsthand the power of bringing people together around a mission of hope and healing.
I became connected to the foundation through my friendship with Summer, Ben’s mom. I watched her continue to breathe when her heart was ripped from her chest… and not only that, I saw her continue to give. Her strength, even in the midst of unimaginable loss, is what inspires me to serve.
For me, being part of this foundation is about carrying that same spirit forward—creating spaces where grief is met with compassion, where skateboarding builds belonging, and where hope can grow even in the hardest places.
About
Debi Starr- Community Engagement, and Outreach
My name is Debi Stella Starr and am truly honored to be a part of the Ben Moody Foundation board. I am a Mom, Grandmother and a retired educator.
Before retiring I became certified as a Health and Life coach and a meditation teacher. These are areas
that I am passionate about by serving others through these methodologies.When the pandemic came, I used my ‘coaching’ platform to provide educational coaching, assisting parents and students in navigating online learning. That is when I met Ben. His Mom Summer had been a friend and a huge support to me with medical
questions in caring for my elderly Mom after a major stroke.
After Ben passed away, I witnessed the grace and courage that Summer displayed, always knowing that she would at some point do something to honor Ben’s life and
allow his name and his untimely death to be a beacon of hope for others. In developing this foundation, it became a clear and purposeful path to creating a legacy in his name
that could help countless others, including survivor families.
One unexpected and delightful bonus that I have experienced serving on the Ben Moody Foundation board has been getting acquainted with the skateboarding
community at events the board participated in. Ben was an adept and talented skateboarder, and the skate park was his happy place. I am so impressed and inspired
by the nonjudgemental and supportive community that the skate park experience seems to offer. All ages and walks of life seem to be represented and the message is one of
acceptance, inclusiveness and unconditional love.
I really appreciate the opportunity to support Summer’s vision with this foundation in beautiful Ben’s name.
