Second Annual Pat Moody Foundation Gala a colossal success

By Matt Pascarella

This was the second year for The Pat Moody Foundation Gala which was held at Keeley’s Banquet Center in Portland on Saturday, Oct. 10 and just like last year, the gala exceeded its fundraising goal of $35,000. Based on some preliminary results, the Pat Moody Foundation surpassed $40,000 and that money will go right back into the community in the form of scholarships, supporting youth sports and community outreach.

Attendees celebrate the night in honor of the late Pat Moody
and all the generosity and kindness he gave to so many 
communities at The Pat Moody Foundation's Second
Annual Gala at Keeley's Banquet Center in Portland
on Saturday, Oct. 10. PHOTO BY MJ PHOTOGRAPHY   

“Seeing so many people show up in support of the Pat Moody Foundation and to honor Pat’s memory was truly emotional,” said Pat’s wife Sherma Moody. “It was a beautiful reminder of just how deeply loved Pat was, not only in our Windham community but far beyond it. I was fortunate enough to experience his love every day; to see the kind of man he was behind the scenes, and to witness firsthand how much he genuinely cared for others. But seeing so many people come together, each carrying their own memories, stories, and special connection with Pat, was something that touched my heart in a way that is hard to put into words.

“He didn’t need recognition or a reason to help someone. If there was something that needed to be done or someone who needed a hand, he showed up,” she said. “Even on his days off ... Pat was always finding something to do. Whether it was helping with basketball, building something, volunteering his time, or simply being there for someone who needed him, giving back was just a part of who he was.”

While fundraising was part of the night, this gala was to continue to show Pat Moody’s kindness and love through community support. Pat Moody Foundation board members Tyler Graves shared stories in remembrance of him, and board member George McCrillis read excepts from essays written to the Pat Moody Foundation and the impact receiving those scholarships had upon those students. Pat’s daughter, Hayleigh Moody also gave a very moving speech.

Tracey Lydon, Pat’s sister, said the community steps up again and again to support their own and The Pat Moody Foundation is beyond grateful and humbled by the support they continue receiving.

“I’m already thinking about next year,” said Volunteer Organizer Ashley Merrill. “I think this gala embodies Pat’s character fully – the social aspect, the knowing people, the loving people, the spreading awareness to helping people. The entire night just screams Pat to me because he was so kind and giving and this is all of that.”

Windham High School graduate and the first recipient of one of the Pat Moody Foundation scholarships, Erik Bowen, said he wanted to attend the Pat Moody Foundation Gala because of how much Pat meant to him and all he did for him and everyone else.

“Pat’s such an important member of our community, his son grew up with our daughter and we miss him,” said Windham resident Katie Delewski. “It’s nice to be here and support the foundation and support his legacy and do great things for our kids. I love what his friend was talking about perseverance; it’s a great word for what he embodied by showing up for everybody even when he was going through hard times. (It’s important to support the Pat Moody Foundation because) it’s something for the whole community.”

Bowen said that Pat was like a father-figure to him and the whole town of Windham. Bowen wanted to show his support and gather with all the people that Pat Moody loved.

“It’s a unique thing that we have in Windham for a group of volunteers to do what they do in Pat’s name and to be a part of that makes you feel good,” said Windham resident Ben Delewski. “And we personally see what it did for our daughter, receiving the scholarship, she lit up when her name was called. I know Pat would have loved that. We’re lucky to be in Windham and to be part of something like this.”

According to Sherma Moody, to see that same love come back to Pat in such a powerful way is both overwhelming and incredibly comforting. She said it reminds her that although he is missed more than words can ever explain, the goodness that he poured into this world did not leave with him. It lives on in the people he helped, the relationships he built, and the countless lives he touched along the way.

“The outpouring of love and support has been emotional in the most beautiful way,” said Sherma Moody. “It reminds me that Pat’s life mattered, his presence made a difference, and his impact will continue for years to come. My heart is so full of gratitude for everyone who has shown up, shared a memory, offered support, or simply kept his spirit alive. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. It means more than you will ever know.” <