On July 20th, 2009, Half Hollow Hills High School East alumnus and University of Buffalo student Matthew Scarpati was tragically struck and killed by a drunken motorcyclist while changing a flat bicycle tire on the Wantagh Bike Path.
An avid soccer player all his life, Matthew was a beloved friend and teammate to many through the years. As a way to honor Matthew, the Matthew Logan Scarpati Memorial Soccer Tournament was born.
Following Matthew's death, the Miles for Matt Foundation, a 501c(3) non-profit organization, was established in his name. This fund will provide money to various initiatives, including Sunrise Day Camp, America's only day camp dedicated to kids with cancer, University of Buffalo and Half Hollow Hills High School East scholarships, and various other endeavors. This tournament's mission is to raise yearly contributions to Matthew's fund, as well as bring friends, teammates, and the soccer community together to celebrate the life of a wonderful young man cut short.
In addition to raising money for his scholarship fund, a portion of the tournament proceeds will benefit anti-drunk driving organizations of choice in an effort to combat a terrible crime that claims the lives of thousands of Americans each year.