Matt's Mission Fund

Dear Friend, Our non profit organization, Matt's Mission Fund, was established after the death of my son Matthew in 2009. Matt was an uplifting person who touched many lives during his short life. He made himself available to his family and he was always willing to help out a friend. Although Matthew did not get the opportunity to graduate from high school, he did write in his yearbook that he wanted to "go to college, get a job, get married, have children, make a difference and live an interesting life". I am grateful for this because helping Matt to make a difference gave me a positive to focus on. Due to the love and support shown to me and my family during that very difficult time helped propel me forward and prompted me to help those in need within our community. Each year Matt's Mission Fund raises money through donations and the annual Matt's Mission 5K race. The race has grown from a walk in his remembrance days after Matt's accident in May 2009 to a certified 5K, scenic, rolling course through residential neighborhoods in North Branford. Last year's Matt's Mission 5K raised $45,000 for Matt's Mission Fund and nearly $100,000 has been raised in the past three years. Every year Matt's Mission Fund donates to the Board of Education earmarking funds for Jerome Harrisons School Night to Care and to families who qualify by sending their children to summer camp. The Matt Picciuto Scholarship is awarded to deserving students. To date eighteen students have received The Matt Picciuto Scholarship totaling $18,000.00. Class dues have been paid for many students who otherwise would not have been able to attend graduation or senior prom. Letter jackets, a computer, tumbling lessons, cheer camp, soccer camp, prom bids and year books have been purchased. Donations have been made to many families struggling with illness, death and various hard times. It is not uncommon to assist a family by paying their rent, electric or phone bills when warranted. Lunch tickets are available in the Guidance Department year round for students who are hungry and have no money to eat. Matt's Mission Fund has supported other organizations such as MADD and Open Your Heart Foundation. The Matt's Mission Fund board members have voted several times to donated funds to both the North Branford Police Department and North Branford Fire Department. I am proud to call Matthew Picciuto my son and my heart is happy knowing he makes a difference every single day in the lives of so many. I will never ever know just how many lives he has saved. Thank you for your time, I hope to see you at this year's Matt's Mission 5K! Sincerely, Lynn Riordan http://www.jbsports.com/?page_id=218