DO LIKE DUKE foundation

Do Like Duke — His Story

Duke Ryan Ommert was “built different,” as he proudly told his parents — and anyone who spent time with him knew it was true. Whether he was out on the field, organizing pickup games at recess, making keychains for the school Makers Mart, or helping younger kids feel included, Duke lived with a level of heart, humor, and purpose that lifted everyone around him.

Give to the Do Like Duke Fund

Duke was “built different.”
He played hard, invited everyone in, protected younger kids, created constantly, and lifted every room he walked into. His family made the Do Like Duke Foundation to carry his spirit forward — helping kids play with heart, lead with kindness, and lift others just as he did every day.

Give today to help build Duke’s legacy.

A community-led Movement honoring Duke Ommert, a remarkable 10-year-old boy whose kindness, creativity, and competitive spirit inspired everyone around him. Your gift supports programs that help children play, belong, lead, and lift one another up — just like Duke did.

Who Duke Was

From the moment he stepped onto a field, a court, a playground, or a classroom, Duke Ommert brought energy, kindness, and leadership. He loved sports with his whole heart — cheering for the Chiefs, Royals, and Huskers, and competing in any game he could organize. He was the kid who played hard, encouraged others, and found a way to make a big play in any sport he tried.

But Duke was far more than an athlete. He was funny, creative, and brilliant. He spent over 30 hours making keychains for his school’s Makers Mart, filmed videos for his YouTube channel, volunteered with the Do Good Club, joined the Mathletics and Chess Clubs, and built endless adventures with his friends. Whether he was drawing, fishing, or inventing something new, Duke created his own joy and shared it freely.

How Duke Made Others Feel

Duke included everyone — without hesitation, without judgment, without needing to be asked.
He protected younger kids.
He made friends out of strangers.
He organized pickup games and told kids, “Bring your glove!”
He lifted others simply by being himself.

Hundreds of stories shared by classmates, teachers, teammates, and neighbors all point to the same truth: Duke made people feel seen, safe, and welcomed.

Why the Do Like Duke Foundation Exists

Created by his parents, Ryan and Monica, the Do Like Duke Foundation carries forward the values Duke lived every single day — kindness, courage, creativity, inclusion, and heart.

Your gift helps build programs, events, and experiences that reflect Duke’s spirit and give other kids the chance to play, belong, lead, and lift others just like he did.

His life continues as we make an impact together in his name.

Give today to help carry Duke’s spirit forward.

All contributions are tax-deductible and will be held in a restricted fund under the ShareWaves Foundation solely for the development and impact work of the Do Like Duke Foundation. The Ommert family directs all uses of these funds.