Breaking News: Ohio State Football Coach Ryan Day Donates $9.6 Million to Renovate Orphanage, Provide Meals Across U.S.
COLUMBUS, OH – May 15, 2025 – In an extraordinary act of generosity and leadership, Ryan Day, the head football coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes, has pledged a staggering $9.6 million toward renovating an orphanage and supporting nationwide meal programs for underprivileged children across the United States.
The donation, one of the largest ever made by a college football coach for social welfare, has already begun making waves in the philanthropic world and earned widespread praise from fans, players, and public officials alike.
A Coach With a Cause
Ryan Day, who has led the Buckeyes to multiple Big Ten titles and College Football Playoff appearances, has long been known not just for his strategic mind on the field, but also for his commitment to mental health advocacy and community outreach. However, this latest contribution marks a new chapter in his off-field legacy.
“This isn’t about football,” Day said in a press conference on Wednesday morning at Ohio State’s Woody Hayes Athletic Center. “It’s about kids who have been dealt a difficult hand in life.
Every child deserves a safe, loving environment and access to basic needs like food and shelter. I’m fortunate to be in a position where I can help make that a reality.”
The initiative will be split into two major components: a $5 million investment to fully renovate the Oakridge Children’s Home in Columbus—a historic but long-neglected orphanage—and $4.6 million allocated to a new national program that will provide over 1 million meals to children living in food-insecure households.
Transforming Oakridge: A Vision Realized
The Oakridge Children’s Home, originally established in 1919, has been a sanctuary for thousands of children over the last century.
However, in recent decades, the facility has fallen into disrepair due to underfunding and aging infrastructure.
Day’s donation is set to completely revitalize the orphanage with modern amenities, updated dormitories, mental health counseling centers, classrooms, and recreational areas.
“The condition of the orphanage was heartbreaking,” said Diane Foster, director of the Oakridge facility.
“But Coach Day’s generosity is nothing short of transformational.
This gift will allow us to restore dignity, comfort, and opportunity to every child who comes through our doors.”
Construction is expected to begin in early summer 2025, with completion targeted for late 2026.
Architectural plans show a facility that blends state-of-the-art design with trauma-informed care spaces, prioritizing both comfort and healing.
Feeding Futures: A National Impact
The remaining $4.6 million will fund a new partnership with Feeding America and other regional food banks to distribute nutritious meals to children in high-need areas.
The program, aptly named “Feeding Futures,” is projected to deliver over 1 million meals through schools, community centers, and afterschool programs over the next two years.
“Food insecurity affects 1 in 6 children in this country,” Day said.
“As a parent and as someone responsible for young men at Ohio State, that’s unacceptable to me.
No child should have to wonder where their next meal is coming from.”
Feeding Futures will prioritize rural and urban communities that have been historically underserved, including areas in Ohio, Appalachia, and the Deep South.
A portion of the funds will also go toward nutrition education and programs that teach families how to prepare healthy, affordable meals.
A Personal Mission
Day’s passion for helping vulnerable children is rooted in his own life experiences.
He has previously spoken about the loss of his father to suicide when he was just nine years old and how that trauma shaped his understanding of mental health and family support systems.
“It’s easy to forget that a coach, a public figure, is also a person with a past,” said Ohio State President Kristina Johnson.
“Coach Day’s compassion is a reflection of his character.
He’s not just building a legacy in sports—he’s building one in humanity.”
Day’s donation comes at a time when public confidence in leadership is often shaken by scandal and controversy.
His action stands out as a rare and uplifting reminder that influence, when paired with empathy, can lead to tangible change.
Reactions Across the Country
The announcement has sparked admiration from across the sports and nonprofit communities.
Buckeye players took to social media to express their respect, with quarterback Devin Brown tweeting, “Proud to play for a coach who doesn’t just talk about values—he lives them.”
Former Ohio State coach Urban Meyer praised Day’s initiative, saying, “What Ryan has done here is a reminder of what true leadership looks like.
He’s making a difference in the lives of kids who need it the most.”
The Big Ten Conference also issued a statement commending Day’s philanthropy, describing it as “an inspiring act of social responsibility that goes far beyond the football field.”
Next Steps
While Day has no plans to step away from coaching any time soon, he emphasized that he hopes this project will inspire other leaders—within sports and beyond—to take up causes that matter.
“There are so many ways to make a difference,” he said. “Whether it’s a dollar or a conversation, every action counts.
If I can use my platform to make just a little bit of the world better, then I’ve done my job.”
Ohio State Athletic Director Gene Smith hinted that the university may build additional community partnerships to support Day’s effort and sustain it beyond the initial two years.
“The heart behind this donation is just as important as the money itself,” Smith said. “It’s about setting an example for the young men in our program and for anyone watching.”
Conclusion
Ryan Day’s $9.6 million contribution is more than a donation—it’s a declaration of intent, a symbol of hope, and a challenge to others to step up.
As the football world watches, perhaps more coaches, athletes, and public figures will follow suit, proving that the greatest victories aren’t just measured in championships, but in lives changed for the better.
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