The Chris Matthews Party was held at the Palmer HS Auditorium at 2pm on Sunday, November 4, 2007.

The sheer volume of people who attended was yet another testament of how much impact our friend Chris had on so many people’s lives. The auditorium was packed! Hundreds of people from all over the country were there to celebrate Chris’ life.

The MC (moderator) was Bill Kurtz … Vacuum at Bills? First he was dressed as Shrek and then as Austin Powers … !

Other friends and family members of Chris went up to share stories and memories:

  • Dr. Dave Matthews (Chris’ Dad)
  • Denny Phelps (Close Family Friend)
  • Steve DeFelice (Chris’ teacher)
  • Kelley Powers (Chris’ Uncle)
  • Dave Merz (Chris’ Host Family)

As we walked in and tried to find a seat, we were able to watch an amazing slideshow of Chris’ life, created by Chris’ younger brother, Billy.

Each one of Chris’ friends and family members who spoke had wonderful Chris Stories to share and as we all listened, it became more evident that even though Chris was so lucky to have the support that he had – WE were even luckier to have Chris in our lives.

Everyone agreed: Chris taught US more than we could ever “teach” him.

Again, about half-way through the party, we were able to watch another slide show that Billy created. We saw so many pictures of all parts of Chris’ life. Chris was so loved by his family and friends. It was absolutely unbelievable.

One of my favorite parts was the Legacy of the Strap …

After the Chris Party Celebration, hundreds of people gathered outside of Palmer HS sharing memories of our friend, Chris.

From there, the Matthews Family opened up their home to anyone who wanted to stop by. So many people came by and so many Chris stories were exchanged.

In addition to the food and drinks that were available, every room had stacks of pictures of Chris to look through and bowls of Cheetos and M&M’s scattered around. Every inch of their home (and even outside) was crowded with people that Chris loved, and that love Chris.

Chris touched the lives of many, many people, and to have so many of them gathered in the celebration of his life was so awesome!

This was a day that Chris would be so proud of.

(By: Mariana)