The hospitality industry, plus a collection of friends and well-wishers are planning to serve up a big helping of support for Richmond’s Matthew Dutton at a special fundraiser tomorrow night (Jan. 14) at the Ackroyd Road location of Boston Pizza.
Dutton, 32, a line cook at the restaurant, recently had to have his left foot amputated following a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.
According to the British Columbia Hospitality Foundation (BCHF), a charity that provides emergency financial aid to hospitality industry professionals in times of medical need, Dutton developed Charcot foot. The condition can occur in people who have significant nerve damage (neuropathy).
The bones are weakened enough to fracture, and with continued walking the foot eventually changes shape. As the disorder progresses, the joints collapse and the foot takes on an abnormal shape, such as a rocker-bottom appearance.
About one year ago, Dutton developed a limp in his left leg, which remained undiagnosed.And when the disease was finally discovered, it was too late, and his foot needed to be amputated above his ankle.
That left Dutton, who lost his mother to illness five years ago, unable to work and pay his living costs, as well as mounting medical bills.
Without family nearby, Dutton spent Christmas in the hospital before returning home. Recently, he suffered a bad fall that put him back in medical care, said his close friend Jason Cornwall, who has been a regular visitor through Dutton’s ordeal.
Thursday’s fundraiser is intended to help Dutton with rent, groceries and medical costs, including specialized equipment, such as a prosthetic foot and a wheelchair.
“Words cannot express how grateful I am to those who surround me, whether it be friends, co-workers or people from high school,” said Dutton in a message he relayed through Cornwall. “I am glad you are in my life and will be for years to come.”
He added that receiving this outpouring of support is overwhelming.
“And I will continue to feel this in my heart for the rest of my life. Thank you and God bless.”
Cornwall, who became friends with Dutton 20 years ago as five-pin bowling buddies, said despite his friend’s setback, he remains positive in his outlook.
“Even right after the amputation he showed great resilience,” Cornwall said. “He said, ‘Jay, I want to get back on my feet,’ no pun intended. He wants to get back on with his life, get back to work. He loves being in the kitchen and cooking. That’s his passion. And he wants to move up in the industry.”
Thanks to a variety of suppliers that have donated food and beverages for the fundraiser, the entire proceeds from the fundraiser will go towards Dutton’s recovery.
Tickets are limited to 200 and are $20 each. To purchase one, call 604-360-8087.
A silent auction and 50/50 draw will also help raise money which will be matched by the BCHF, up to $7,500.
Those who cannot attend Thursday’s event can contribute to a GoFundMe page set up for Dutton online at: gofundme.com/a4c6v5e4.
Plus, those customers at the Ackroyd Boston Pizza location can help by writing “Matty” on their receipt and inserting it into the red “Earn Back” box at the front door. Ten per cent of the subtotals from all receipts will be donated to Dutton.
