Foundation Programs & EVENTS
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Halloween Costume Giveaway
Donating costumes to children who are faced with unique challenges, such as living in poverty, homelessness and living in shelters. Our goal is help children enjoy the parts of their childhood that is often taken for granted.
Comedy for a Cause
You could never be sad around Matthew. He always brought people together through laughter. Comedy For A Cause is our nod to Matthew’s joy and unbelievable sense of humor. Proceeds benefit our outreach.
FOOD BANK FOR NEW YORK CITY
Matthew believed we should be the change we want to see in the world. Board members and Foundation volunteers helped pack food which will feed hungry families in NYC
McLean Avenue Fall Festival
The Matthew Wallace
Memorial Tournament
Matthew thrived and participating in all sports. Matthew enjoyed the comradery, sportsmanship and competition. Matthew also appreciated the equality on the field and the fact players were judged by their ability.
COVID-19 Community Relief Efforts
The Foundation host and distributes Grab n’ Go meals to the community and also partners with community-based organizations to supply needed groceries and provisions to those most vulnerable. The Foundation has supplied food items to pantries and phone chargers to local hospitals for quarantined patients. Also, the Foundation has provided meals and snacks to local hospital emergency rooms staff.
Street Renaming & Memorial Events
Halloween Trunk or Treat
The Foundation hosted Halloween Trunk or Treat at the Cross County Center parking lot to great fanfare. Without the opportunity to travel door to door, this outdoor event provided children and families with a safe alternative. Over 1,000 participants received complimentary candy and treats from local businesses, civic groups, and local legislators.
ANNUAL Spark the Spirit of Giving
Matthew’s empathy for those less fortunate is a trait we should all strive to emulate. With that in mind, the Foundation sponsored the Spark the Spirit of Giving at the Westchester School gymnasium. The event benefited families and children most in need during the holiday season. Over 1,200 wrapped toys were gifted to children and 300 turkeys and provision packages were distributed with the volunteerism of the Yonkers Bravest – Firefighters Local 628, Mount Saint Michael Academy students and Mothers, Best Buy employees (and their generous donation!), Yonkers PTA and Yonkers SEPTA, Lenny Spano, Yonkers City Council members, Yonkers Mayor’s Office and a very special thank you to Luis Eltice as Santa Claus.
Diwali Celebration
On November 12th 2023, we were extremely happy to host Yonkers first Diwali Festival to foster cultural understanding and unity in our city’s beautiful tapestry. Last night the light of our city shone bright!
We would like to thank Dr. Ruchi Agarwal, Chandra Sookdeo, and Sandra Marie Casey for helping organize this celebration and Neha Palace Diya for being so generous and kind.
Thanksgiving Grab-n-Go
The Foundation sponsored the Thanksgiving Grab-n-Go at Coyne Park in Yonkers. This outdoors event benefited families, children, Senior Citizens and Veterans most in need during the Thanksgiving holiday. Over 250 turkeys and provision packages were distributed with the volunteerism of the Mount Saint Michael Academy students and Mothers and a very special thank you to Steve Sansone as our Turkey mascot.
BINGO NIGHT FUNDRAISER
The Foundation hosted a Bingo Night Fundraiser at Mount Saint Michael Academy. Thank you to everyone who attended and supported our Bingo Night Fundraiser. It was a packed house, thanks to every one of you! These proceeds help us in our annual programming, especially the various food drives, and scholarships we provide. We pick our causes based on what Matt always expressed was very important to him, and continue to work to keep his memory strong.
BUTTERFLY RELEASE CEREMONY
The Mothers, a support group for grieving parents who lost their children, in association with The Matthew Wallace Foundations, hosts the Annual Butterfly Release Ceremony at Yonkers City Hall by the Unity Fountain.