The first annual Matt Wheten Legacy Tournament was held on August 28, 2021 in the memory of Matthew Wheten who tragically past away from a single vehicle accident on October 21st, 2020.
Greg Caruso, Aaron Wheten, Mike Wheten, Isabelle Wheten and Matt Premo presented Karen and Greg Lefave of the Twinkie Foundation a cheque for $8,000.00 from the proceeds of the 2021 tournament.
The Matt Wheten Legacy Tournament is a touch football tournament in honour of Matthew Wheten, who tragically past away from a single vehicle accident on October 21st, 2020. Matt was a great person who never left you with a frown on your face. Matt played football his whole life and there was nothing more he loved than going out on that 110 yard field.
This idea was brought to Aaron Wheten and his family by one of Matthew’s football brothers, Greg Caruso. When he gave this idea to us and they knew this was perfect because of Matt’s love and passion to the sport.
Twinkie Foundation
The idea for the Foundation arose in 2014 when two Foundation Board members had to spend 4 months in Toronto with their critically ill child to receive care at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids). It was at this time that they truly understood how receiving specialized medical care for a child could create a major financial strain on a family. Many parents frequently have to take a leave of absence from work or quit their jobs altogether to get their child the medical attention they need to survive. No parent should have to add financial burden to their list of concerns alongside the emotional and physical stress of worrying about your child’s health.
The Twinkie Foundation is committed to helping relieve some of the financial burden incurred by Sault Ste. Marie families who have to travel for medical purposes for children under the age of 18.
Having a sick child is emotionally and financially overwhelming. Our intent is to provide financial assistance for food, accommodations, travel, and other incidentals that are incurred on medical trips so that families can focus on their children and not stress over financial obligations.
Matt Wheten Legacy Tournament
Matt Wheten Legacy Tournament is a 7 on 7 one day tournament. There is a competitive division and a recreational division so everyone can participate!!! It takes place at the Rocky DiPietro fields where there is a bbq, there will be door prizes and a 50/50 Draw!! More information coming soon for 2022!!! Let’s keep Matt’s legacy alive for years to come!!! Donations will be accepted by e-transfer to mattwhetenlegacy@gmail.com. For more information visit the Matt Wheten Legacy Tournament Facebook page.
Photo: Bob Davies
