Annual Charlestown Fundraiser Anthony's Dream Reaches 15 Years

For over a decade, friends and neighbors in Charlestown have been maintaining Anthony Matson’s dream.

Matson was a young man from the community who died after a brave battle with cancer. His dream was that no Charlestown resident would suffer through an illness for lack of resources. For 15 years, volunteers with the Anthony’s Dream Fund have raised money and distributed more than $200,000 to Charlestown residents who have been burdened financially in coping with cancer and other catastrophic illnesses.

Next weekend is the 15th Annual Motown Night Fundraiser -- the sole fundraiser for Anthony’s Dream. Read the following Q&A with John Taglilatela, a committee member with the organization. ***The Q&A is based off an original 2011 Patch interview by Kristi Ceccarossi.***

Patch: What’s the history behind Anthony’s Dream? Who was Anthony?

John: Anthony Matson was a young man who committed his life to the youth of the community through the Charlestown Community Center and constantly volunteered his time as a coach in many of the local youth sport programs. At a very young age, Anthony was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma and his battle with the disease was heroic. As many neighbors and friends in the community rallied to assist Anthony, his wish to help others became the dream which inspired so many. The “Anthony’s Dream” fund was then created to aid Charlestown residents as they contend with the hardships of a battle with a catastrophic Illness. Anthony’s hope was to be side by side with the next person in need and his commitment to others is his legacy and the spirit that motivates “Anthony’s Dream.”

Patch: Who has kept Anthony’s Dream alive all these years?

John: The community’s support has been unwavering for 15 years and the [volunteer] committee has been steadfast since Anthony asked us to help others in need. The committee is comprised of persons from across Charlestown who have come together to make “Anthony’s Dream” come true by fundraising in his name to help others. The “Dream Team” is led by Joe McGonagle, Kevin O’Halloran, John Taglilatela, Beth Burton, Nicole Matson, Noreen Manning, Adam Fornash, Jackie Castro, Tom Jackson, Mary Rizzo, Diane Grant, Billy Stella, Lisa McGoff-Collins, Janice Locke, Marty O’Brien Jr., Mary Johnson-Gillen, Father Dan Mahoney and Joan Rae.

Patch: How do local people in need get connected to Anthony’s Dream?

John: Reach out to any committee member or stop in on Saturday evening to feel the love so many have for this organization.

Patch: Can you tell us more about the families that have benefitted from the fund over the years?

John: The majority of families in need prefer that the financial support they receive from the Anthony’s Dream Fund is kept anonymous. Therefore, Anthony’s Dream does not disclose the families they assist, but the entire community knows we will be there side-by-side with the next family in need that contends with the financial hardships associated with cancer or any catastrophic illness.

Patch: Is the Motown fundraiser the only source of funds for the organization?

John: It is the only source of funding at this time unless there is a need that requires us to turn our fundraising efforts up a notch as we have in the past to raise a substantial amount of money. It is always our hope that everyone remains healthy and there is not a need, so the annual event is more of a celebration of life to keep the dream alive.

Patch: What can people expect from the event on Saturday night?

John: Charlestown community spirit at its best and with legendary Disc Jockey Mark Coleman spinning Motown classics, not many are chair-dancing to the sounds of the Temptations, Four Tops and Harold Melvin and Blue Notes.

Patch: If someone can’t attend, are there other ways to donate?

John: All donations to this fund are tax deductible in accordance with the rules of the Internal Revenue Service. Donations can be sent to Anthony’s Dream, P.O. Box 290814, Charlestown, MA 02129.

This year’s event will take place on Saturday, Feb. 7 at 7 p.m. at Bunker Hill Knights of Columbus on 545 Medford St. in Charlestown. Head over to the Anthony’s Dream website and Facebook page for more information.