In what has become an annual event, North Ender Matthew Imbergamo, held a community fundraiser at Ward 8 Restaurant & Bar on Sunday afternoon to support his run in the 2015 Boston Marathon in memory of Stephen J. Perez. Dozens came out to support the event. A popular raffle featured donations from the Boston Bruins, Red Sox, EB Horn, Boston Barber along with several baskets of Starbucks and lottery tickets. All proceeds are going to the New England Center for Homeless Veterans in downtown Boston on Court Street.
“Stephen was a veteran who’s life was taken far too soon,” says Imbergamo. “I couldn’t let this opportunity pass without honoring such a great kid.” On hand for the fundraiser were Stephen’s father, Stephen Perez Sr., State Rep. Aaron Michlewitz and Brian Reeves, Vice President of the New England Center for Homeless Veterans.
Stephen Perez 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.
Additional donations can be made online at this link.
