SHELTON — The DiMatteo Family Charitable Foundation spearheaded two marquee events that turned into a $207,000 lifeline for critical healthcare and community wellness initiatives.
The Foundation’s 3rd Annual Gala Auction Dinner held at Anthony’s Ocean View in New Haven raised an impressive $157,000 to support the cutting-edge EmPATH Unit at Griffin Hospital, a specialized center transforming emergency psychiatric care. In addition, they also generated an additional $50,000 through their signature golf tournament at Blackhawk Country Club in Stratford to benefit Project Purple’s fight against pancreatic cancer and BHcare’s vital regional mental health services.
In Memory of Lily Jinx Mathog: Why EmPATH Was Chosen
The Foundation’s decision to allocate the gala’s $157,000 donation to the psychiatric care facility stems from a deeply personal mission to honor a vibrant young life lost too soon.
The funding for the project was dedicated in memory of Lily Jinx Mathog, a beautiful 21-year-old transgender woman, who like many others, struggled with mental illness. From an early age, she was an incredibly talented musician who earned a full scholarship to Berklee College of Music, where she was in the process of completing her degree. Lily had a vibrant spirit that left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.
By funding a facility that provides specialized, compassionate crisis intervention, the DiMatteo family aims to create a legacy of healing and hope for other young individuals navigating similar mental health challenges.
Inside the EmPATH Unit: A Revolution in Crisis Care
The funds are earmarked for the Griffin Hospital EmPATH Unit, the first facility of its kind in Connecticut. Standing for Emergency Psychiatric Assessment, Treatment, and Healing, the EmPATH model fundamentally reimagines the patient experience.
Traditional, chaotic emergency departments can heighten psychiatric distress due to bright fluorescent lighting, confinement to stretchers, and noisy hallways. Spread across 4,000 square feet, the new unit removes these traumatic barriers. Key structural and therapeutic features include:
Healing Architecture: A large, open common floor plan featuring exceptionally high ceilings, extensive natural light, and soothing, low-stimulation décor.
Sensory Rooms: Specialized safe spaces equipped with patient-controlled lighting and therapeutic music to help individuals regulate intense emotions.
Dignified Amenities: Freedom of movement, a dedicated nourishment station for snacks, tables for voluntary socializing, a private shower room, and quiet visitor rooms.
Specialized Multidisciplinary Staff: Immediate, rapid access to an on-site team of psychiatrists, social workers, and mental health nurses.
National data shows that EmPATH units routinely stabilize 75% of severe psychiatric emergencies in under 24 hours, reducing inpatient hospitalizations and decreasing 30-day crisis readmissions by 25%.
“This major contribution from the DiMatteo Family Charitable Foundation directly impacts our ability to provide timely, personalized treatment in a safe haven built specifically for individuals experiencing severe emotional distress,” said Patrick A. Charmel, President and CEO of Griffin Hospital.
“The EmPATH model allows our team to begin specialized healing immediately, dramatically reducing boarding times and restoring dignity to patients during their most vulnerable moments.”
Special thanks to the two generous presenting sponsors: Hamlin & Burton Liability Management and HealthCap Risk Management & Insurance.
Impact on the Fairway: Project Purple and BHcare
Now in its 21st year, the Foundation’s Annual Golf Tournament attracted 119 golfers. Top sponsors included Cross Insurance at the Platinum level as well as DiMatteo Group Financial Services and Acadia Insurance, both Gold sponsors.
Golfers swung their clubs for two worthwhile community health initiatives: Project Purple for pancreatic cancer research, and BHcare, which operates regional domestic violence shelters and behavioral health clinics. The $50,000 proceeds will be split evenly between these two vital nonprofits.
A Legacy of Philanthropy and Outstanding Volunteers
This deep commitment to giving back dates back to 2005, when the Shelton-based Foundation was established by the DiMatteo family as a moving tribute to company
founder Anthony “Tony” DiMatteo, who was battling colon cancer at the
time. For over two decades, the Foundation has raised nearly $1 million dollars ($954,931) for 21 local and national charities.
John DiMatteo of Bethany, CEO, President of DiMatteo Group Financial Services in Shelton, noted, “Our Foundation was built on the core belief that giving back to the
community is an ongoing responsibility. Due to the overwhelming generosity of our
sponsors, business colleagues, family members, and our incredible team of long-time
volunteers, these events continue to serve as our primary engine for local change.”
Rosemarie DiMatteo Esposito of Shelton, the Manager and Officer of DiMatteo Group Tax & Accounting in Shelton, added, “I am extremely proud of the legacy our third-generation family members are creating because they are committed to developing new funding sources. This substantial $207,000 donation will make a tangible difference in
our local communities—from creating a calmer environment for mental health patients at Griffin Hospital to backing the fight against pancreatic cancer and domestic violence—is exactly why our family remains committed to this mission.”
DiMatteo Group is headquartered in Shelton with two family businesses: DiMatteo Group Financial Services and DiMatteo Group Tax & Accounting, both located at 1000 Bridgeport Avenue.