The History of Matt's Mission
In July 2006, Matt Obendorf, a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church Olean, varsity soccer coach at South Ripley, radio personality, and father of two young children, was diagnosed with terminal cancer. When financial assistance was offered to him, Matt insisted there might be others in his church congregation and his community needing monetary help with medical transportation costs.
On June 3, 2008, the Women of the ELCA of St. Paul Lutheran Church Olean voted to establish Matt’s Mission “to provide financial assistance with fuel costs for members of our church family undergoing medical treatment.”
On June 3, 2009, Matt Obendorf joined the Saints in Heaven, but through many generous gifts and the commitment of the Women of the ELCA of St. Paul Lutheran Church, the work of Matt’s Mission continues.
In January 2012, due to the generosity of so many in the community and the financial growth of Matt’s Mission, the Women of the ELCA of St. Paul Lutheran Church Olean voted to expand the reach of Matt’s Mission into our community.
In November 2018, the Matt's Mission Endowment Fund was established to create an enduring source of funding to support Matt's Mission. Contributions to the Matt's Mission Endowment Fund are accepted through the Ripley County Community Foundation. If donating online, please be sure to indicate that your donation is for Matt's Mission.
