Matt Christian, who passed away in 2009, all too soon at the age of 25, continues to be remembered by his friends, who recall Matt as that rare one of a kind person who makes a difference in peoples' lives. His lasting impact on his group of friends has inspired them to celebrate Matt's life in an enduring and meaningful way. "Friends of Matty" grew out of the desire to make a difference in Matt's memory. Matty's childhood friend, and college roommate, Matt Rogers, organized and spearheads an annual "Friends of Matty" fundraiser to honor his cherished friend...a young man who's great gift was bringing so many people together.


Rogers feels that he is "lucky to share such great memories with wonderful people I may have never had the opportunity to meet without having had Matt Christian as such a large part of my life." Matty was the type of person to always reach out to help others, and Rogers feels that "He has done so much for my personal growth over the years. I feel like I am in his debt forever."


As Matty's memory lives on through "Friends of Matty," he continues to enrich lives. One year ago, in the Summer of 2009, the waterfront at MHS was dedicated to Matt Christian. Students, staff, volunteers and friends will be forever reminded of Matt as they gather there year round for recreational activities.

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We are so appreciative of our friends at Reebok and their ongoing enthusiastic support. "Team Reebok" visited the campus on May 26 and spent the day in the childrens' classrooms, participated in gardening activities and later engaged in a spirited contest of wheelchair basketball. Our guests will be looking for a return match after losing to the students.


The children were so happy with the Reebok treats, it was a great way to remember their visit!

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Saturday, May 15 marked the MHS Foundation's annual fund raising dinner. On a lovely spring evening, guests were introduced to the campus with tours offered by an enthusiastic staff of volunteers, and then dined in a festive atmosphere created in a large tent on the lawn. Festivities continued after dinner in the sparklingly renovated Morrison Hall. On display inside was an extensive offering of artwork created by our students...their work was prominently featured and beautifully lighted, a visual tribute to the efforts of our children, and of our dedicated Art Program staff. Their collaborative creativity is remarkable, indeed.

This year's event was the first to be held on our campus and was in tribute to Dick Crisafulli, Director of Recreation Community Programs and Athletics. Dick has tirelessly served the MHS community for 28 years and his contributions were duly recognized in remarks offered by Dr. Arthur M. Pappas, our emeritus Chairman of the Board of Trustees.

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We look forward, in the future, to welcoming new friends and guests to our campus, with the wish that the greater community comes to better understand and appreciate our programs and mission. Next year's event is scheduled for May 19, 2011, and plans are in work for another celebratory evening. Thank you to all the attendees and sponsors for the evening, for more information and additional photos, please join us on line at www.mhsf.us