Impact Stories
We Are All Connected: Laura Barton & Willy Matthews
April 25, 2025
Long-time Judi’s House Supporters Serve as Strength in the Face of Diversity Luncheon Honorary Chairs
Around the same time Brian and Dr. Brook Griese were working diligently to create a safe space where bereaved families can heal together, Laura Barton lost her husband, Peter, to stomach cancer.
With one child in elementary, middle, and high school, and a significant commute to the original Judi’s House, Laura could not bring her daughter and two sons in for programming. But she did immediately recognize the importance of the mission and worked with the Grieses – as well as other friends – to support Judi’s House from its first days.
Since then, she and husband Willy Matthews have consistently given both time and financial resources to Judi’s House, and now to JAG Institute as well.
“We feel it is so important to help bereaved families get the tools they need to navigate their trauma,” Laura said. “At Judi’s House, they get that support, love and a warm meal.”
Laura added that it has been wonderful to contribute to the organization as it has grown into a national leader in childhood bereavement.
“Supporting the work of JAG Institute makes the good work done at Judi’s House go so much further,” she said. “Willy and I try to be consistent donors as we know how important that is to nonprofit organizations to keep operating.”
Currently, Laura and Willy are volunteering as chairs of the annual “Strength in the Face of Adversity” luncheon, one of Judi’s House/JAG Institute’s largest fundraisers. This year’s speaker is globally acclaimed musician Nathaniel Rateliff.
“We are huge fans of Nathaniel’s music and think it is so wonderful and brave of him to share his personal experience with loss to help raise needed funds to help other bereaved children,” Laura said.
“Aside from our role as co-chairs,” she continued, “we truly encourage everyone with a passion for Judi’s House/JAG Institute to attend the luncheon and hear what is sure to be a moving conversation between Nathaniel and Brian (Griese) about loss, healing and the power of connection.”
Laura also shared how proud she is of her daughter Kate Barton, who now serves as member of the Judi’s House/JAG Institute Board of Directors. Their family exemplifies the Judi’s House ethos that we are all connected.