Beyond Today – Matt West Memorial Fund

Healing Through Art

Vision Healing for All A community in which every person has access to the guidance and resources to discover their talents, enhance their sense of efficacy and make a positive difference in their life and community.
"Art washes from the soul the dust of everyday life." — Pablo Picasso		Mission Provide the Healing Power of Art to All  To develop and maintain a resource to encourage and assist people struggling with mental health issues; emphasizing artistic endeavors as a pathway to stabilization and improved sense of community connection.
Purpose Funds to Make it Happen Establish and maintain a fund to help people with incidental costs involved in developing and maintaining their artistic expressions.

Matt West was a kindhearted man who struggled with mental health disease all of his 38 years.  Even with the many challenges he faced, including hand tremors since the age of 13, he saw much beauty in this world and shared little pieces of his big heart with those around him.  He had no formal training but loved to paint in oils and create with clay.  He was a talented photographer who documented so many beautiful memories of time spent with his family especially his nephew.  On January 20, 2016, Matt left this earth for the next stop on his journey. He is dearly missed and will forever be remembered for the wonderful son, brother, uncle, nephew and friend, that he was.

We, Matt’s family and friends, want to support the many others struggling with mental health issues and ensure they can experience joy and healing through art.

We all know someone struggling with mental health disease.  When they struggle, their family struggles and the entire community struggles.  Your small contribution could make a big difference for one person, their family and our community.  Please, right now, stop and take a moment to consider how you can support our efforts.  Thank you for your time and please consider this opportunity to help brighten the day of those struggling with mental health disease.

“When ‘i’ is replaced by ‘we’ even ‘illness’ becomes ‘wellness'”—Malcolm X

We would like to support three Dayton non-profit organizations:  WeCare Arts, K12 & TEJAS Gallery, and Miracle Clubhouse.  Through the fund an Art for Wellness program has been launched at the Miracle Clubhouse.

It’s quick and easy to participate and your gift will help advance our mission.

All donations will be processed by The Dayton Foundation.  Click here to make an online donation by credit card.

OR by check made payable to The Dayton Foundation, Inc., and mailed to 1401 S. Main Street, Suite 100, Dayton, Ohio 45409.  Please include the fund name “Beyond Today:  Matt West Memorial Fund” in your check memo line.

You will receive a letter from The Dayton Foundation acknowledging your donation as a deductible charitable contribution. Your donation will be thoughtfully and carefully managed.  Thank you!

Please email comments or questions to suewest.dayton@gmail.com.