Sculpture in Memory of a Bicyclist
Matt's story is one that should
never have been written. On a beautiful July evening in 2009, Matt was cycling
on the Wantagh State Bike Path. He could ride 20, 25 miles at a clip, and many
times even longer. However, another bike, a Harley Davidson, being ridden by a
drunk 44 year-old, had just left Jones Beach. The Harley biker headed north on
the Wantagh State Parkway at a speed estimated between 85-100 mph and struck a
beautiful 19 year old son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. Matt was
airlifted to NUMC, where he was pronounced dead. Our lives were ruptured by a
total stranger. Matt never would come home again.
A ghost bike,
presented to our family by Matt's friends, would become the inspiration to
create a more lasting monument. This bronze sculpture of a cyclist was modeled
on a photo taken of Matt on one of his last rides. It will be anchored to a slab of granite and placed near the
entrance of the Wantagh State Bike Path in Cedar Creek Park, as symbol of the
human spirit rising up, now and always. We are grateful to the Nassau County
Parks and Recreation Department for agreeing to work with us on this
enduring tribute to Matt Scarpati.
The
Miles for Matt Foundation was formed to help us raise funds for programs to support children and young adults. However this project would be one of the most ambitious
projects to date. We have raised $50,000 of the $75,000 needed. Your gift can
help us close the gap of $25,000.
Contributions of $500 or more will
be recognized on bricks to be placed around the signage that will be installed onsite, but donations of
any size will be truly appreciated. We were so delighted to welcome over 140 people to the unveiling. This was an emotional afternoon and all of us were blessed to have those able to be present at Cedar Creek Park. Michael Alfano's work is truly inspirational.
Signage will be installed in the Spring of 2014. If you have any questions, please contact us at [email redacted].
With deep gratitude,
The Scarpati Family
Miles For Matt Foundation
