North End resident, Matthew Imbergamo, held a community fundraiser on Sunday afternoon to support his run in this year’s historic Boston Marathon in memory of Stephen J. Perez. Proceeds were to benefit Stephen’s Run and the New England Center for Homeless Veterans. The fundraiser was held at Ward 8 Restaurant & Bar on N. Washington Street.
As a child Stephen grew up in Boston’s North End and attended Saint John’s School. He went on to graduate high school and enlisted in the Army doing three tours of duty in Afghanistan and Iraq. When Stephen was through with his service he applied to Bunker Hill Community College and studied Criminal Justice. Sadly, Stephen was tragically murdered on the night of April 28th, 2012 in a senseless act of violence. At the time of his death Stephen was 23 years old. Two months later he was accepted into the police academy. Stephen Perez is the inspiration for the annual “Stephen’s Run” that benefits the New England Center for Homeless Veterans.
Donations can also be made at http://www.gofundme.com/
