Matthew's Moonlight Foundation

by Holly Stupak

Photos courtesy of the Wzorek family

Matthew Wzorek had a smile that could light up a room, even earning him the nickname “Smiley.” His parents Rebecca and Barry Wzorek said that he brought joy and happiness to everyone around him, and he wanted to make the world a better place. Matthew was just seven years old when he passed away suddenly in 2020, changing the Wzorek’s lives forever. Looking for a way to keep his bright light shining, they founded Matthew’s Moonlight Foundation. “We want Matthew’s life to be the inspiration, not his passing,” said Rebecca.

Matthew was a second-grader at Worrall Elementary school who loved baseball, flag football, legos and traveling with his parents and big brother Jacob. Whether at school, the playground or a local sports field, Matthew was known for his genuine kindness and friendliness.

“Matthew’s personality was always to be kind,” his mom said. “He loved helping his younger cousins, making someone in his class feel comfortable, even chatting up a stranger. That was just his nature.”

When Matthew passed away, the Marple Newtown community rallied around Barry, Rebecca and Jacob, even creating a GoFundMe page for the family. Inspired by Mathew, and through the generosity and support of the Marple community, the Wzoreks wanted to do something to pay it forward. To help other grieving families and families experiencing hardship, they donated the money from the GoFundMe campaign to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. “We wanted to give other families who’ve lost a child or who had a sick child the chance to visit Matthew’s favorite place: Disney World,” said Rebecca.

Matthew’s Field at Marple Township Little League

This past year the Wzoreks were able to expand the reach of Matthew’s light by creating the Matthew’s Moonlight Foundation, whose mission is to honor Matthew through acts of kindness. They chose the name because of the profound meaning of the word moonlight. “No matter how dark the night is, the light of the moon will always shine to make the night brighter,” said Rebecca. “It’s a reminder that there is always hope. Through the foundation, we can use Matthew’s beautiful light to help ease the burden that many families in the Delaware Valley are dealing with,” she added.

Led by Matthew’s parents, the foundation’s board members include Cara Wzorek, Daniel Horowitz, Jonathan Horowitz, Jason Katz and Becki Kapelusznik, all of whom bring a unique set of skills. “ We make a great team. All of our professional, educational and personal experiences really complement each other,” said Rebecca.

The first initiative of the foundation was a toy drive for Kisses for Kyle, a local charity that helps families battling childhood cancer. “We chose this charity because of the foundation’s understanding that an entire family is affected when a child is battling cancer or has passed away,” said Rebecca. “We understand firsthand how other children in the family can feel left out while attention is focused on grieving.” In honor of Matthew’s eighth birthday in June 2020, the foundation collected gifts to donate to Kisses for Kyle’s Birthday Klub. This past June, the foundation did another toy drive and the results far exceeded last year’s contributions.

Rebecca and Barry Wzorek with their sons Dylan and Jacob

In July 2021 Matthew’s Moonlight Foundation partnered with the Newtown Square Petticoat League (NSPL) to hold the foundation’s first annual softball tournament. “The tournament was a huge success,” said NSPL board member and close friend of the Wzoreks, Jeff DiTrolio. “Matthew was extremely special to my family. So, to see the teams come together to raise awareness of the foundation was a great way to honor his memory.” Teams came from all over the Delaware Valley and even South Jersey to compete in the 3-day tournament and proceeds went to the foundation. “It was an all-around great effort,” added Jeff. “After the tournament, I received so many messages about how well it was run. We’re planning to make it an annual event.”

Next up for the foundation is a golf outing and luncheon on October 7th at Paxon Hollow Country Club. “This is our first major event and we’re very excited about it,” said Rebecca. “It will be a great day of golf, raffles, food and fun!”

Supporting the foundation through Kisses for Kyle, the softball tournament and the upcoming golf outing are not the only ways the community honored Matthew this past year. On the oneyear anniversary of Matthew’s passing, the Marple Newtown community “Lit it Up Blue for Matthew.” Homes, porches, trees and businesses were all lit up in blue in a show of support and love for the Wzoreks during the month of February. The organizers chose blue because not only was it Matthew's favorite color, but it symbolizes empathy, peace, imagination and heaven. “It was amazing to drive through our community and see how many people were thinking about Matthew,” said Rebecca. “The community’s support was so comforting to us.”

First annual NSPL softball tournament for Matthew’s Moonlight Foundation

Matthew was also honored by the Marple Township Little League, with a field in his name. The sign by the field reads: Matthew was always the kid who would happily lend a hand, cheer up a teammate, make a new friend, talk up a stranger, and in general make the world a better place.

“Matthew was such a kind soul, even at such a young age,” said Rebecca. “The best way to honor him is to help families who have gone through the same type of tragedy that we have.” For more information on how to keep Matthew’s light shining, visit www.MatthewsMoonlight.org or visit their Facebook page for event updates.