Matthew’s Town

The HEART of Leg Up Farm

Background

Matthew Allen Potter was only seven years old when he was fatally injured on a roller coaster ride at the York Fair on September 10, 2001. Jack Lehr, close family friend and neighbor of the Potter’s, was overcome with grief and a deep sense of loss. Jack’s response was to organize a golf tournament in Matthew’s memory and donate the proceeds to a local children’s organization. The Matthew Allen Potter Memorial Golf Tournament was started in September 2002 and held for five consecutive years. During the course of the tournament’s history, a staggering total of more than $160,000 in net proceeds was donated to Leg Up Farm.

At the 2006 tournament, Board Chairman Louie Castriota, Jr. gratefully acknowledged the generous contributions and unwavering support of Jack and the extended Potter family over the years. Before an enthusiastic crowd of more than 225 attendees, Castriota proclaimed that the HEART of Leg Up Farm would now and forever be known as Matthew’s Town. Matthew Allen Potter’s legacy and spirit will live on through the children utilizing Leg Up Farm as they foster socialization skills, engage peers, and develop new skills to improve their lives.

What is Matthew’s Town?

Today, Matthew’s Town is a highly functional play space used to engage children in activities that support achieving their therapeutic and educational goals.

Upon entering Matthew’s Town, the children are magically transported into a safe, realistic, sensory-enriched environment . . . complete with a park, York Traditions Bank, Rutter's gas station & convenience store, a Martin's Potato Chip delivery truck, as well as familiar businesses found throughout the York community. This area is used for individual and small group therapy sessions and serves as a place for children and families to gather as they explore their imaginations and the world around them.

Additional Naming Opportunities

Matthew’s Town will contain more than a dozen interactive “stores” and “storefronts” that businesses and organizations can sponsor. In addition to increased brand awareness and recognition, sponsorships are an excellent way for companies to demonstrate their commitment to social responsibility and community involvement.

If you are interested in exploring creative, win-win opportunities with Leg Up Farm as your partner, please contact Tom O'Connor directly at 717-266-9294 or by email toconnor@legupfarm.org

Matthew's Town is an approved program under the
Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program (EITC)