Celebrating the Legacy of Matt Breman
Rhonda and Matt Breman and their young children in October 2003
Our annual Matt Breman Memorial Run 4Kids is more than an annual fundraiser. It is a celebration of Matt Breman’s endless passion to help Indiana’s vulnerable children. Although Matt passed away unexpectedly years ago, his family and friends join hundreds in the Indianapolis community every April to continue his efforts of raising awareness and support for vital programs and education on the prevention of child abuse and neglect.
The Matt Breman Memorial Run 4Kids, now in its ninth year, raises money to support Prevent Child Abuse Indiana, a Division of The Villages. Matt served as the Board Chair for Prevent Child Abuse Indiana and was a tireless advocate for some of our state’s most vulnerable children.
“(Matt) believed all children deserve a safe and nurturing environment, and he was dedicated to helping make that happen,” said Rhonda Yoder Breman, Matt’s widow.
Rhonda recalls the instant connection Matt felt when he was introduced to Prevent Child Abuse Indiana by Mike Williams, a colleague at Krieg DeVault where Matt worked. She says the mission of eradicating child abuse “resonated with him.”
Rhonda, currently a member of The Villages’ Board of Directors and former Board Chair, became active with the organization soon after Matt’s passing. The 4K race was created to honor Matt’s work with Prevent Child Abuse Indiana and thank him for his efforts. The event is particularly special for Matt and Rhonda’s children, Jack and Beth.
“The event shows dad’s dedication to the cause and emphasizes the importance of The Villages and how the organization helps kids,” said Beth, Matt’s daughter.
Matt and Rhonda’s commitment to children inspired many of their friends to participate and become active supporters of The Villages and Prevent Child Abuse Indiana. Friend Justine Overturf Singh is an example.
“I met Matt shortly after he and Rhonda began their journey together. Theirs was a love story worth believing in and cherishing and it touched so many of us as they both did individually. Matt was such a positive soul, flawed and imperfect, but passionate and good to his bones. He is still terribly missed, but I know he is still with us in spirit,” says Justine, Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for The Villages.
“I know our family is grateful that we have been blessed to call them friends and family and to live with them to experience positive change in our community and be inspired to participate in it.”
Matt and Rhonda’s passion for serving children and families also inspired their niece, Brittany Todd, to join The Villages’ Young Professional Advisory Board in 2015.
“Losing my Uncle Matt was not easy on our family but getting to be a part of an organization that I know was important to him makes me feel closer to him,” Brittany said. “Every year at the Matt Breman Memorial Run 4Kids, I know that it makes him proud (and hopefully makes him laugh) to see his entire family in tow together, having way too much fun while supporting a great cause.”
Fellow Krieg DeVault Partner and friend, Robert Greising, felt Matt’s passion, inspiration, and dedication to Prevent Child Abuse Indiana.
“When a friend and partner takes a serious interest in a cause, it makes you consider what can you do to support them. Matt was one of my partners and friends. He led by example. And his commitment to kids, demonstrated by his leadership in Prevent Child Abuse Indiana, was part of the inspiration I felt to get involved with The Villages, to help assure that the care for kids he showed would be carried on,” says Robert.
For the first time, Rhonda and her family will not be at this year’s race…for a very good reason: A family wedding. “The wedding and the Run 4Kids on the same day is the perfect way to celebrate Matt’s legacy. They’re the two most important things to him: His family and changing the world to make it a better place for kids.”
There’s still time to register for our annual Matt Breman Memorial Run 4Kids to benefit Prevent Child Abuse Indiana. Learn more about the event and register here.