Abbey alumnus Matthew D'Arrigo is doing great things in the world.  He is the founder and executive director of A Reason To Survive, Inc. (ARTS), a nonprofit that harnesses the power of arts to heal, inspire and empower children.  Matt knows firsthand about the healing power of the arts.  His love of music and painting helped him heal after the death of his mother from cancer.  He now brings this power into the lives of San Diego kids.  "We're looking to serve 10,000 kids in the coming year," says D'Arrigo. A new transportation program, Van-Go, will shuttle kids to the new ARTS center at NTC Liberty Station; other plans include a children's art gallery and framing business and new community partnerships.  Way to go Matt!

Check out Matt's website at www.AReasonToSurvive.org