Hello my friends,
When we conceived of the Matthew Shepard Foundation 25 years ago, a few weeks after Matt’s murder, Dennis and I were motivated to transform our grief into something meaningful: to fulfill Matt’s desire to create a better world and, in doing so, to erase the hate that cost us our son.
The Foundation’s accomplishments over the past quarter century—including successfully advocating for the federal hate crimes law that bears Matt’s name, educating legions of law enforcement officers about hate crimes investigation, and sharing our story around the world—wouldn’t have been possible without your support and that from thousands of others.
Yet, the work is far from over. As you know too well, our movement continues to be challenged at nearly every front. It’s both frustrating and heartbreaking and, at the same time, it strengthens our family’s resolve to sustain Matt’s legacy in ways that continue to make a difference. Over the next few years, that will include focusing more on public speaking, advocacy, and law enforcement training.
This fall’s 2024 Bear to Make a Difference Gala will be our last, after 20 plus years of these celebrations. At our 2023 Gala, we observed the 25 years since Matt’s death. At this year’s Gala, we will celebrate the 15th anniversary of Shepard-Byrd Act – the federal hate crimes legislation signed into law by President Obama. Two milestones that mark our existence—thus far.
The Foundation’s mission to erase hate will continue through our education programs, our public speaking, our digital channels, and through our strategic partnerships with the Smithsonian Museum of American History and the Library of Congress (where Matt’s possessions, writings, and additional archival materials are preserved), and the Washington National Cathedral (where his remains are now lovingly interred and protected). We will also give personal attention to the countless stages where Matt’s message unfolds in productions of “The Laramie Project,” screenings of the documentary “Matt Shepard is a Friend of Mine,” and performances of the oratorio “Considering Matthew Shepard.”
For our part, Dennis and I will keep traveling, meeting, speaking, advocating, and doing all we can on behalf of the Foundation. We are immeasurably grateful for your love and support over the past 25 years—and we will continue to count on it as the Matthew Shepard Foundation enters this next strategic chapter of our unfinished and never-more-important work.
Once again, we thank you for your many years of support, encouragement, and love as we fight for equal rights and equal respect for everyone.
Hugs,
Judy
P.S. The gala will be October 26th in Denver, and tickets will go on sale later this summer.