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His dad, Cosmo Pannell, will tell you what has happened is all about a great testimony to the Lord. God gets all the credit for this amazing organization and its’ growing and continuing success.
Mr. Pannell, everybody calls him Cosmo and his wife, Joni had just one child, a son, they named Matthew. He worked with his dad while living at home. On October 2, 2011, Matthew went out to the races with some friends, he came home that night and later unexpectedly passed away in his sleep. He was 24 years old. It was shocking to his parents, relatives and friends. Matthew Pannell had a lot of good friends. He was highly loved and thought of and there was a tremendous void in their lives. Just a month after his passing on November 2, 2011 family and friends decided to do something typical of Matthew. That began it all.
That was the start of The Matthew Pannell Shinning Star Foundation. The decision was made to do something reflective of the caring and giving son. Money would be raised and gifts would be given in the form of presents to needy children at Christmas. To the amazement of all, in just four weeks this idea raised $16,856. Cosmo was overwhelmed. Gifts were bought, wrapped and tagged with children’s names and then the families who were to receive them picked them up so Santa could have them under the tree on Christmas. The first year 100 families were helped to make it a very special Christmas for their children. As each family, who had provided the foundation with what was needed and hoped for by the children, picked up the boxes of gifts, the parents were asked to step inside for a moment. That is when hands are held, prayers are offered in thanks and tears roll down the cheeks of grateful parents. Then the Matthew Pannell Shining Star Foundation presents the parents with a new Bible.
The second year, 2012, they raised $52,000 and gave presents to 206 families. This year $40,000 was raised and another 200 kids got their wishes fulfilled. There are now nine churches involved. The large family center at Pleasant View Community Church is where the gifts were kept and on Saturday, December 14th we were invited to witness another miracle of Christmas. Boxes with stuffed presents were spread all over the family center. 67 volunteers cut wrapping paper and each gift was wrapped, checked off the family list, then tagged with the child’s name. It was non-stop gift wrapping as busy as Santa and his elves might ever be.
One of the many friends Matthew had came from South Carolina to help. His name was John and was typical of those who befriended and loved Matthew Pannell. When I asked him about Matthew, John could not say enough good things. He told me that: “Matthew was the greatest guy I’ve ever met. He constantly gave of himself. The foundation in his name carries on his spirit. You can tell because, just look around, there’s so much love here.” John is married now and he and his wife have already discussed, if they ever had a son, his name would be Matthew.
The Matthew Pannell Shining Star Foundation reaches out and seems to help everyone. They helped the tornado victims in Ellenboro, have helped the handicap, fed elderly folks, assisted orphans and the make a wish foundation. His dad, Cosmo proudly proclaims that the work they have done and do brings so many people closer to God. Yes, by the grace of God, his son, Matthew continues to give and live in the eyes of those his foundation helps.
