LAKEVILLE, MA – Since his sudden and tragic passing, Matthew Flaherty has been remembered as a brother, son, firefighter and for service to his country. Yet what stood out the most to those who knew him was his giving nature – and in this spirit, the Legends Never Die Foundation was born.
“Our main mission is to help veterans, first responders, and their families future, past and present,” explains Casey Goodale. “We just want to keep moving forward and keep doing more. We like to help people on a personal level. We really want to help people on a day to day basis on things that impact them immediately.”
From turkeys at Thanksgiving to adopting Christmas wish lists and donations to fellow non-profits like BelieVET pairing veterans with service dogs, those who support the LND Foundation cast a wide net in helping others. They’ve also stepped in to provide scholarships for those pursuing law enforcement positions and offered silent support in emergency situations for fallen first responders, among other things.
“We’ve made ramps for handicap veterans, we’ve replaced a couple of heating systems for veterans,” says Judy Flaherty, Matthew’s mother. Matthew’s sister, Courtney, also recalls donating backpacks filled with winter items for homeless veterans. “After Matt passed there was such an outpouring of support and love and generosity that it touched us in a way that we felt that we had to keep this going,” explains Judy. “People loved him, so we really felt that we could use this as a vessel to help other people.”
What’s the vibe: The most laid-back, down to earth group of good humans take to the golf course in support of past, present and future veterans & first responders.
As someone that would typically join in on golf tournaments for worthy causes himself, the LND Foundation’s first annual tournament in Matthew’s honor filled up fast. From air cannons to a Beat The Pro stop from Backswing Golf, an extensive range of silent auction prizes, raffles and of course a custom spread by the chef at Lebaron Hills Country Club. “I’m playing with his clubs today – he was a best friend to me and a brother I never had,” said Peter Tower during the , reflecting on many memories he shared with Flaherty. “It’s just a good vibe everyone’s playing music, having a few drinks, hopefully getting a hole in one at some point,” laughed Goodale.
To learn more about the LND Foundation, visit their website.
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Emmalyn Reid 