Announcement

Ocean Pines couple turns grief into grace through nonprofit honoring late son

Tuesday, July 7, 2026

The following appeared in the summer 2026 Ocean Pines Report quarterly newsletter: www.oceanpines.org/web/pages/quarterly-newsletters

What began as an unimaginable loss has grown into a nationwide movement encouraging compassion, connection, and everyday acts of kindness.

Ocean Pines residents Jackie and Ron Kurtz have dedicated the past several years to honoring the memory of their son, Matt, through their nonprofit, Matt's Kindness Ripples On. After Matt lost his battle with mental illness in 2017 at the age of 32, the couple chose to channel their grief into a mission of spreading kindness and recognizing those making a positive difference in their communities.

Now, Jackie is continuing that mission with the release of her new book, Kindness Heroes: Ordinary People Doing Extraordinary Things.

The book features the true stories of 61 "Kindness Heroes," including five from Berlin, whose simple acts of compassion have created lasting ripple effects in the lives of others. All of those featured have received grants or awards through Matt’s Kindness Ripples On, which continues to celebrate kindness and inspire generosity nationwide.

"Kindness Heroes is really a reminder that goodness still exists," Jackie said. "In a world where negativity dominates the headlines, these stories show how ordinary people can make an extraordinary difference."

What has surprised Jackie most since the book's release is the way families have embraced it together.

"Readers have turned it into a book about connection," she said. "They're reading one short story together, with teens, spouses, grandparents, even aging parents, and the reflection and kindness question at the end spark conversations they weren't having before. They're putting their phones down and having meaningful conversations."

Through Matt's Kindness Ripples On, the Kurtzes continue to encourage others to carry forward Matt's legacy of compassion, proving that even the smallest act of kindness can create a ripple far beyond what we can see.

Proceeds from Kindness Heroes benefit Matt's Kindness Ripples On and support the organization's ongoing mission to recognize and inspire kindness in communities across the country.

If you would like to get involved with Matt’s Kindness Ripples On, there are two easy ways to do so:

1.) Nominate someone who inspires you for the Matt Kurtz Kindness Award of $250

2.) Submit an idea for a kindness project for the Matt Kurtz Kindness Grant of $500

The book is available through Amazon and can also be purchased locally at Greyhound Bookstore in Berlin, Pam's Hallmark at the Outlets on Route 50, and the Art League of Ocean City.

More on Matt’s Kindness Ripples On can be found by logging on to www.mattskindnessrippleson.com

More on Kindness Heroes can be found by logging on to www.jackiekurtz.mattskindnessrippleson.com

Announcement

Ocean Pines couple turns grief into grace through nonprofit honoring late son

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