Matthew Shepard & The Matthew Shepard Foundation
Matthew Wayne Shepard was a 21 year-old University of Wyoming student who was brutally beaten, tied to a buck fence and left to die with the constant Wyoming wind as his only companion. He was beaten and robbed because of his sexual orientation.
The Matthew Shepard Foundation was created by Matthew’s parents, Dennis and Judy Shepard, to honor their son in a manner that was appropriate to his dreams, beliefs and aspirations. Initial funds came from the many donations sent by people from all over the world in Matthew’s memory and to assist with his medical expenses. However, his family felt that it was more important for those donations to be used for the greater good of Matt's community.
The goal of the Matthew Shepard Foundation is to educate and replace hate with understanding, acceptance, and compassion by supporting diversity programs in education and helping youth organizations establish environments where young people can feel safe and be themselves.
For more information, visit www.matthewshepard.org
