Last week, Boots for Matt Berry received a permit distributing food at Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza on Friday evenings. Mayor D.C. Reeves told us at his press conference that the permit was for Food Not Bombs, even though Food Not Bombs told us they had nothing to do with it.
Meet Boots For Matt Berry
Boots for Matt Berry has created a Facebook page and issued a statement yesterday:
Boots for Matt Berry is a nonprofit that was formed in 2024 in memory of Matt Berry, aka JC Fowler/Ward, and for Darien and Danielle Ward, who suffered from parental alienation.
Boots for Matt Berry applied for the permit with the City of Pensacola so our volunteers and friends will not have any issues for our friends while discussing Boots for Matt Berry.
Boots for Matt Berry provides resources and support for the unhoused youth that have disabilities and lacks support from family like Matt Berry, who did not have support from his adopted and biological father’s family when he passed away by being hit by a car while unhoused in Bardstown, KY.
Boots from Matt Berry observes the potluck on Friday at 6 p.m. that Food Not Bombs held at MLK Plaza that are normally no issues and leaves the park around 8 p.m. very clean.
Boots for Matt Berry is not associated with Food Not Bombs.
Boots for Matt Berry would like to thank the City of Pensacola and the City of Pensacola Police Department for working with Boots for Matt Berry on a permit to ensure no one goes hungry in our community or without resources for a better life.
Boots for Matt Berry is set up a GoFundMe page if you would like to donate to their purpose.
Boots for Matt Berry can be reached at bootsformattberry@gmail.com.
Thank you.
Boots for Matt Berry.
GoFundMe
Boots for Matt Beery is raising money.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/empowering-lives-with-boots-for-matt
Empowering Lives with Boots for Matt
As the holiday season approaches, I’m reaching out to you with a heartfelt request. Instead of exchanging gifts this year, I invite you to join me in supporting Boots for Matt, a nonprofit that makes a profound difference in our community. Your contributions can help spread warmth and joy to those who need it most during this time of giving.
I chose Boots for Matt because their commitment to providing essential support aligns with the spirit of this season. Together, we can make a meaningful impact in the lives of others.
- Provide food, essential gear and clothing for individuals experiencing hardship.
- Fund programs that offer mentorship and resources for personal growth.
Let’s come together to celebrate the true essence of the holidays by giving the gift of hope. Please consider donating and spreading the love!
- Inweekly has sent the statement from Boots for Matt Berry to Mayor Reeves and has yet to receive a comment.
City Messages – Food Not Bombs didn’t want this to happen
Food Not Bombs organizer Mike Kimberl shared messages exchanged with Bradley Davis Jr., the City of Penscola’s city events coordinator. Food Not Bombs made it clear that the person seeking the permit did not represent them. (Since the city has said the individual who got the permit for Boots for Matt Berry is a stalking victim, we have redacted the individual’s name.)
Thursday, Dec. 4
Davis: I will say a lot of confusion would’ve been cleared up if you would’ve allowed XXXXX to move forward with the park rental agreement.”
Kimberl: XXXXX has never volunteered with us, nor did she speak with anyone before attempting to move unilaterally. So I would say she has added to the confusion greatly.
Davis: What sucks about this is that every single person’s heart is in the right place.
Kimberl: I would disagree. I would not have the charges pending that were in the case. I hate that you were having to deal with people taking it upon themselves to “help the situation.” Anyway, I read the rental agreement and do not see how it applies to us. Would it assist for Food Not Bombs to seek legal representation to be the one representing at the table? That could help you all with those who claim to be representing us without our knowledge.
Davis: Would the legal representation be willing to fill out a park rental agreement form? How does the park rental agreement not apply to you?
Kimberl: For reasons I’ve explained in our meeting. You insisted I take it and read it. Maybe I am misunderstanding something. If that’s the case, I feel we probably do need legal representation to explain this all to us.”
Then Friday, Dec. 5 – after mayor announced Food Not Bombs had a permit.
Kimberl: Could you explain to me what is going on? I am hearing there’s a permit. Would you explain that to me how that transpired?
