There is nothing more imaginable than parents losing a child before their time. No matter the circumstances, it is a terrible thing. Unfortunately many young adults these days are succumbing to drug addiction. Some parents at least can afford to give their child a chance of recovery at one of many rehab facilities available. Sadly, some parents – and adults – cannot afford this option. 

The Mattar family wants to make a difference for those less financially fortunate. The Mattars will be hosting a golf outing and dinner fundraiser at their Panther Valley Golf Club in Allamuchy Township on Monday Oct. 21. While the golf outing is nearly sold out already, individuals are invited to attend the dinner or donate to the cause by being a sponsor. Several levels of sponsorship are available.

Proceeds from the Malinda Mattar Memorial Tournament will go to the Little Hill Foundation at Alina Lodge in Blairstown, a premier long term residential alcohol and drug addiction rehab facility specializing in the treatment of adults with a history of chronic relapse issues. 

“There are so many people who cannot get the care they need because they simply can’t afford it,” said Mattar Mattar, whose daughter Malinda passed away from drug addiction last year at the age of 25. “They don’t have the money so they find themselves in a hole that they can’t get out of. We hope that funds raised from this event will give these people the chance to recover without the concerns of finances.”

Malinda’s story is like many others with addiction. She loved life and was full of spirit through her early teenage years. She was very athletic, loved to hunt and fish, snowmobiling and kayaking. She loved horses and competed in horse shows, and was also very involved with 4-H. At 16, though, her battle with addiction began with opioids, starting with prescription pain killers. She battled her demons hard over the years, until the end. Ironically, however, even as she fought this addiction, at the same time she still found time to help others and show kindness. 

She is missed dearly by her family. The Mattars hope that this event will help families and individuals in need of financial assistance will be better able to cope with this disease without the concern of money.

To find out how you can participate in this event, visit https://www.littlehillfoundation.org/mattar-golf-event-2019.html.