About Us
Where compassion, love, and selflessness run deep.
Matt had a huge heart and loved helping those in need. After his untimely passing, stories of his quiet yet profound acts of kindness began to surface, painting the picture of a soul dedicated wholly to the service of others—friends and strangers alike. Despite not having vast wealth, Matt's generosity knew no bounds. His love for animals, passion for healthy living, reverence for the outdoors, and his unconditional kindness towards people of all ages left an indelible mark on the community.
In his memory, the Matthew Lawrence Perna Foundation seeks to continue his legacy of compassion and altruism. Our mission is twofold: to honor Matt's memory by supporting the causes he held dear and to embody his spirit of giving in every action we take. We believe in making a difference, one act of kindness at a time, whether aiding those facing hardship, advocating for animal welfare, promoting health and wellness, or preserving the natural beauty of our outdoor spaces.
The foundation graciously accepts donations, big or small, and promises to utilize them in ways that reflect Matt's values and commitments. By contributing, you're not just honoring Matt's memory—you're actively participating in a continuum of kindness that he so effortlessly championed. Together, we can extend his legacy of love and generosity far beyond what he could have imagined, making a tangible difference in the lives of many.
Join us in this journey of kindness as we strive to make the world a better place, just as Matt did, one heartfelt gesture at a time. The Matthew Lawrence Perna Foundation is more than a charity; it's a testament to the power of collective goodwill, inspired by a man who believed in the good in everyone and the potential for us all to effect positive change.
Vision
Inspired by Matthew Perna's legacy, we envision a future marked by inherent giving and compassion, aiming to transform the world into a place of love, hope, and human goodness—a testament to Matt's belief in kindness and human potential.
Mission
Driven by Matthew Perna's spirit, we aim to nurture a community inspired to act with humility and compassion, committed to improving the world in ways Matt believed possible, by advancing his visions and ideals collectively.
Values
Our core values reflect Matthew Perna's essence: unselfish love, commitment to community, and the pursuit of a better world through compassion, patriotic love, humility, insightful wisdom, and a steadfast belief in kindness.
OUR BOARD MEMBERS
President
Geri Perna
Geri Perna is a formidable champion of constitutional rights, renowned for her contributions to documentaries like "Police State." Her journey from boutique ownership to becoming an influential public speaker mirrors her profound commitment to social justice, further deepened by her life as a dedicated mother and passionate animal lover. Her unique artistry emerges from her intimate connection with nature, particularly through the solace she finds exploring the beaches of Florida, reflecting her appreciation for the natural world's intricate beauty.
Geri’s personal pursuits, from expressing her love of art to the adventures of travel and the meditative practice of gardening, blend harmoniously with her professional life, serving as wellsprings of peace and inspiration. Her life approach underscores the synergy of uniting personal interests with activism, sparking vital conversations on significant social issues.
Through her advocacy and distinctive way of blending natural elements into her life and work, Geri showcases how passion and advocacy can drive social change and personal fulfillment, leaving a lasting impact on society. Her narrative inspires others to pursue their interests purposefully, demonstrating the profound influence of a life driven by passion and steadfast advocacy.
Vice-President
Jennifer Kaloostian
Jennifer is the proud mother of two children ages 14 and 12. She takes pride in helping others in her local community working in the field of physical therapy. She also works as a personal trainer educating her clients on health and nutrition. She has a love for traveling and the great outdoors. Recently, her family added a sweet dog named Donovan to the mix and they have been enjoying all the love he gives. Jennifer has a heart for helping others and Matt was an inspiration in this area. She is eager to assist others while sharing Matt's love for community outreach.
Secretary
Victor Beary
Victor Beary is an accomplished leader with a strong track record of driving organizational success through strategic insight, disciplined execution, and a deep commitment to integrity. With years of experience guiding high-stakes initiatives and navigating complex challenges, Victor brings a level of professionalism and clarity that strengthens every organization he serves.
In his role as Secretary of the Board, Victor ensures that the foundation’s mission, operations, and governance remain aligned and forward-focused. He is known for his ability to translate vision into action, foster cross-functional collaboration, and uphold transparency in all aspects of board activity. His organizational leadership and communication skills make him a trusted steward of the foundation’s strategic direction.
Victor’s strength lies in his ability to see the big picture while mastering the details. He brings a steady hand, a clear voice, and a deep well of experience to help the foundation achieve meaningful, lasting impact, now and into the future.