August 11, 2009

I am very pleased that Music for Matt 2.0 is all set for this year. We are looking forward to returning to the Howlin’ Wolf for Papa Grows Funk and the Revivalists. Papa Grows Funk is a well known New Orleans band. Jazzfest producer Quint Davis said of Papa Grows Funk, "... one of the best, one of the hottest, and most important funky bands in New Orleans, we couldn't be prouder." The Revivalists are former Tulane students who perform rock, soul, funk and reggae along side bands such as the Rebirth Brass Band and Papa Grows Funk. We’re hoping that this year’s MFM is an even greater success than last year. The concert’s proceeds will support the Costa Memorial Scholarship given annually to a Tulane student who possesses the attributes that were important to Matt, and also to the Peace Corps Partnership Program in Mali. Last year we were able to completely fund the Water Safety Program in Mali so that Malians could learn how to swim and to rescue people – a program that was started as a result of Matt’s and Justin’s tragic deaths.

Last year I spoke of all the people who came forward over the two years since Matt’s death with stories of how he touched their lives. Those stories continue. One of his Peace Corps friends from Chad recently e-mailed to me the following:

“Matt died during my first semester of law school, and it was then that I learned he was planning on applying to law school himself, to work on human rights law. Over the last three years, I have often thought about him. Remembering his humor, kindness, and energy brought me real joy when I was working long nights in the library. Keeping in mind how blessed I am to have had him as a friend, and how lucky I was to be able to go to law school in the first place gave me a sense of perspective I think some of my law school colleagues lacked during those three intense years. Matt really was an inspiration to so many of us Peace Corps Volunteers - he was the real deal. As a student, I kept that in mind, and I too tried to work to be the best that I could be, working with joy, an open mind, and a sense of obligation to help others. I graduated in May. Two days ago, I sat for the NY bar exam, and I wore my Music for Matt t-shirt. It gave me a sense of peace in a sea of crazed law grads. You should know that, when us Chad RPCVs (Returned Peace Corps Volunteers) who are in D.C. get together, we invariably talk about Matt. Sometimes we talk about how much we miss him, but we always talk about the funny stories he was involved in, his sense of adventure, and his persistent optimism. I was angry for quite a while after Matt died. I just didn't understand, and I guess I still don't, how it can be that someone so full of life would die so young. And I didn't want to accept it, because I didn't think I should accept something so unfair. In calmer days, though, I know that he accomplished so much more in the short life he had than most people would dream to accomplish in many life times. How many people did he make laugh? How many songs did he play? How many children did he inspire in two different countries? All the things he saw, the sand dunes he climbed, the friends he made. And I am just referring to his Peace Corps service! There was so much that came before... What a life, crammed into such a short period of time, with such meaning and significance. His legacy to me, and to others, is a long to-do list of what we should accomplish in our lifetimes to achieve even some of Matt's impact. I just want you to know how much he still means to me, and to all of us RPCVs.”

I think that says it all!

This year Matt would have become an uncle. His sister, Danielle, is expecting a daughter this fall – Taylor Elizabeth Butkiewicz. Many of us saw Matt in various roles – son, brother, friend, nephew, cousin, fraternity brother, boyfriend….what a shame we won’t get to watch him as an uncle. There is no doubt that he would have impacted Taylor’s life in a way that cannot be replicated through pictures, videos and stories. And he would have been so proud of his “little” sister for the incredible young woman she has become. Instead, we have only memories. But we also have the ability to keep Matt’s legacy alive through programs such as the scholarship in his memory and the Peace Corps program in Mali. His life can continue to touch those who had the opportunity to know him and begin to touch those who didn’t. MFM is one mechanism for that to happen – what better way to celebrate Matt’s life and legacy than to have a concert in his name and give the proceeds to his scholarship and to the Peace Corps.

Thank you for your support this year. I know it’s been a tough year for many of you and I appreciate your continuing to support MFM. Music was so integral a part of Matt’s life and this concert is the perfect tribute to Matt. If you want to learn more about Matt, please go to www.fpcv.org/matthew_costa.htm

Thank you,
Pam Cameron (Matt’s mom)