The Briden Family hosted a Food Allergy Awareness and Education Charity Event on June 8, 2024, in honor of their son Matthew who at age 28 died from a peanut allergy. Always a helper with a kind heart, the family knows that Matthew would show his signature smile if their advocacy could benefit others and save lives.
About the Event
FARE is honored to support the Briden family during a trying time and it is our sincerest hope to create a future that’s good for everyone working with our community. Thank you to the Briden family for raising a generous amount to support FARE’s work to create a future free from food allergy.
“We could not have organized this without FARE,” his mother Kathy Briden said, reflecting on both the logistical resources and emotional support provided for the event.
A message from the Briden family:
Our amazing, fun-loving and kindhearted son Matthew was diagnosed with a peanut allergy at age 2. He died at age 28 after eating what he thought was a safe food at a Pittsburgh restaurant. His death was preventable.
As a family we are committed to advocate for Food Allergy Awareness and Education in restaurants so we can help others living with food allergies and their families avoid this tragic outcome. We have been vocal and working hard (check out the links below to see what we have been up to).
Our efforts led to Pennsylvania House Representative Arvind Venkat sponsoring and Representative Natalie Mihalek co-sponsoring a bill requiring a food allergy awareness program for Pennsylvania restaurants. We ask that you please support us by contributing in Matthew's honor as we continue to partner with FARE in fostering needed change. Matthew should be alive today, together we can help ensure that others living with food allergies are here tomorrow.
PA Rep Arvind Venkat’s Press conference: https://youtu.be/3sHwQHItSHI
PA Rep Natalie Mihalek : https://youtu.be/pjW6AgkiFCA
FARE Documentary: https://youtu.be/aYNQPBtOjiE
Event Details or to Donate
Register for Golf Outing
Golf was one of Matthew's passions. It fed his competitive drive and brought his friends together. All golf registrations included attendance at the charity dinner.
Register for Gala
Guests gathered to celebrate Matthew and raise money to support FARE. They enjoyed dinner, drinks, and entertainment in a fun and casual venue for sports enthusiasts, Matthew being one, and took part in a silent auction.
Donate
If you want to further help advocate for Food Allergy Awareness' and Education, please consider an additional donation. We have been associated with FARE (formerly FAAN) since Matthew was in grade school. 100% of the event fees and donations went directly to FARE to continue their mission.
Thank You to Sponsors
Sponsors have supported the family’s work locally, influenced FARE’s ability on a national level to advocate for changes in the restaurant industry and supported FARE's mission to increase food allergy research, education and awareness so that other families will not experience the devastating loss of a loved one due to food allergies.
