Matthew "Swirls" Cirelli Benefit

My son Matthew "Swirls" and our family would like to thank the entire Medford community for the outpouring of kindness and support over the last several weeks and, in particular, for the November 22 Fundraiser at the American Legion.  We were overwhelmed by the number of people who contributed to the event.
We want to thank the American Legion, its members and staff, for hosting the event.  They could not have been more accommodating.  The room was the perfect setting for the occasion. 
DJ Hank Morse was awesome.  He played a great mix of music.  More important, he served as the emcee, handling all of the announcements and raffles.  Thank you to Medford Police Officer Larry James, for offering his time and services and to photographer Dee Nazzaro. 
We want to thank all of the restaurants, caterers and other food purveyors who provided, at no charge, the appetizers, dinners selections, and desserts for the evening.  Many of these businesses were from Medford, but several were from surrounding communities.  And we also appreciate the many people who took the time and effort to bring homemade items.  The food was delicious and plentiful.  There was so much to choose from. 
The evening included over 200 raffle items, from sports memorabilia, spa gift certificates, gift baskets, to  sports event tickets.  These items were generously donated by businesses and individuals, not only from Medford, but from over the Great Boston area.
We say thank you to everyone that made financial contributions to Matthew's fund, whether by purchasing raffle tickets, bracelets and "Swirls Strong" shirts generously donated by Expertees Printing; or by donating directly to the Fund account.  These funds are being used to support Matthew's care.  The generosity has been incredible.  Many of donors have no direct connection to Matt. We are so grateful.
Thank you to Medford High School teachers and current students, and to Matthew's former classmates and teammates for rallying around him. So many Mustangs have reached out to Matthew to offer support and encouragement.  This means so much to him.  Special thanks to the Medford Girls' Ice Hockey Team.
We want to thank the City of Medford departments and agencies, including the Fire Department and the Housing Authority, for their generous contributions to the Fund.
Finally, our entire family wants to give special mention to the four angels who have spearheaded the fundraising effort: Donna Sullivan, Karen Donohue, Julie Andrew, and Kelly Allan.  These four women have been absolutely incredible.  Over the last 2 months, balancing their own family and work responsibilities, they have worked tirelessly and selflessly for Matthew and our family.  They unbelievably pulled the whole November 22 event together in less than 30 days.  They established the fund account, found a hall, contacted businesses and individuals for the food and for the raffle items, arranged for security and entertainment, handled the advertising, coordinated the tickets sales, and orchestrated the evening without a hitch.  So many people have told me how well run the night was.  Professional event planners could not have done a better job.  Their efforts have provided not only financial support, but emotional support for Matthew and our family.  Thank you so much! I was born and raised in Medford and have lived here my entire life.  My sons, Matthew and Jared, the same.  We should not be surprised as Medford is a close knit family community that takes care of it's own.  We are so grateful to the entire community.  You have given Matthew strength.  You have lifted our family.  Medford strong! Swirls strong! 

Sincerely, Barbara Cirelli





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