By Tim Kelly
“Mini Golf was one of Tyler’s favorite things,” said his mother, Sally Onesty.
Thus, the Tyler Jay Onesty Memorial Scholarship Fund was born.
Tyler Onesty, 22, of Ocean City, a graduate of Ocean City High School, was a local victim of the opioid epidemic in the United States. He died of a heroin overdose in 2017.
His mother has since made it her crusade to use Tyler’s story as a cautionary tale for today’s youth, and also to raise awareness of the drug crisis and its severity.
One of the vehicles for doing so is launching the fundraiser based on one of Tyler’s favorite childhood activities, playing miniature golf.
The benefit will take place on Sunday, May 5, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Golden Galleon Mini Golf, 1124 Boardwalk, Ocean City.
The event is designed to be a day of fun and fellowship with family and friends, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to a scholarship fund.
Tyler Onesty died at age 22, a victim of drug addiction. His mother, Sally Onesty, has since worked tirelessly to prevent similar tragedies.
The fund will be used to aid current and future Ocean City High School students who have battled opioid addiction, or who have been affected by the crisis, and who plan on furthering their education.
“Those who are choosing a career in addiction services, mental health services, or the medical field” are a few of the categories of students eligible to apply for the funds, Onesty said.
Students planning to attend colleges, universities, community college or trade school are all eligible.
In addition to helping students with school expenses, funds raised will also be used for those in need of detox, rehab, sober living programs and family counseling, among other services.
Those who cannot attend the event can still help the cause by making a donation of any amount. All donations help and are welcome, Onesty added.
Donations may be sent to the Tyler James Onesty Scholarship Fund, c/o Sturdy Bank, 661 Asbury Avenue, Ocean City, N.J. 08226.
