Thank you for supporting the inaugural year of Music & Movement, an initiative honoring the life of News Tribune columnist and opinion editor Matt Driscoll by bringing inclusive recreation to life for children with intellectual and physical disabilities in Tacoma. Parks Tacoma is proud to partner with you in this community tribute by designating its portion of proceeds from the August 1, 2025 concert at Dune Peninsula to directly support Unified Sports programs and inclusive afterschool music and movement clubs. This programming creates safe, welcoming spaces where all kids can play, grow and thrive — regardless of ability.
MUSIC & MOVEMENT
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Visit the Tacoma Parks Foundation booth on Friday, August 1!
As our region gathers to enjoy the sounds of CAAMP, there will be a tent set up at the event so we can remember and honor Matt’s inspirational spirit.
Friday – August 1 at 5 PM
Dune Peninsula at Point Defiance Park
Tacoma, WA
MUSIC & MOVEMENT
Matt Driscoll was more than a journalist — he was a voice for the unheard, a champion for Tacoma, and a believer in the power of community. His sudden passing left a void in the city he loved, but his legacy endures through the stories he told and the lives he touched.
For Matt, this work was deeply personal. As a father of a child with a disability, he understood firsthand the barriers that many families face in accessing inclusive recreation. His writing wasn’t just about policy or statistics — it was about real people, real challenges, and the urgent need for change.
Music held a special place in Matt’s life; he recognized its ability to connect people, uplift spirits, and inspire change. Just as he celebrated the unifying power of music, he was committed to ensuring all children — regardless of ability — had opportunities to experience the benefits of sports and play. In his coverage of the Aspen Institute’s Project Play Tacoma-Pierce County initiative, he shed light on the critical need for inclusive recreation, emphasizing that children with disabilities are far less likely to receive the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity.
Matt’s work was more than words on a page—it was a call to action. His advocacy for equity and inclusion in play, sports, and community spaces wasn’t just professional; it was personal. His passion continues to inspire meaningful change, ensuring that all kids — like his own — can be active, connected, and engaged.
What Your Support Makes Possible
One-hundred percent of your support for Music & Movement will provide integrated, life-enriching experiences for children with disabilities through a collaborative program partnership between Parks Tacoma, Special Olympics Washington, and Tacoma Public Schools.
Your support will work to:
*Expand Unified Sports programs
*Provide access to inclusive afterschool music & movement clubs at Beyond the Bell and Club B.
* Ensure kids of all abilities feel seen, safe, and supported through recreation and community!
Why is our community uniting for Music and MovemenT?
Thank you for the overwhelming support! While the concert has reached maximum capacity and is now sold out, you can still honor Matt’s legacy by making a donation. Inspired by Matt’s life and contributions to our community. Please consider including a note with your donation as we strive to continue building on the good he sparked in the 253.
