Saving Lives Through Music One Note at a Time
This foundation has been created in the memory of our son Matthew "Waffles" Bahna who left this world on 8/12/19 at the age of 27. Matthew got the name "Waffles" in Celebration High School in Florida because of his love of waffles and graduated in the class of 2010. He was a kind soul who had an affinity for music of all genres. He was a trained musician who could play guitar, keyboard, cello, and the accordion. He lived to share music with anyone who would listen or was interested and he brought his guitar everywhere he went. His instrument of choice was a Gibson SG. He would often teach kids how to play guitar or keyboard and he was always there at a party or gathering looking to make the world a better place through the music he knew which was vast and expansive.
The purpose of our foundation since our inception in December of 2020 is to carry on "Waffles" legacy by helping children of every race, color, creed, and gender to have access to musical instruments, lessons, and opportunities in the music field. We have made a difference in the past year or so but there is always more work to be done. We want to thank all of our family, friends, sponsors, and all who have helped us bring music to the world and to develop tomorrow's musicians. Thank you from "Waffles" mom and dad and from our entire foundation.
This was "Waffles" favorite photo that I ever clicked of him. It features him and two of his friends walking the boardwalk at Asbury Park New Jersey. He always said that if he ever cut an album then this photo would have been featured on the jacket.
Waffles in upstate New York near Saugerties playing acoustic not far from the famous Woodstock Concert of 1969.
Waffles backstage with James Euringer aka "Jimmy Urine" the lead singer of the band Mindless Self Indulgence. This was shortly before Jimmy co starred in the Guardians of the Galaxy 2 movie as the Ravager character "Half Nut."
"Waffles" expression after finding out he has been strumming a 15,000 dollar banjo. This was at Guitar Center on Orange Blossom Trail in Orlando Florida.
Waffles on acoustic. He went electric for many years but returned to acoustic almost exclusively during his last 18 months. It was then that he started to also play the 12 string guitar and master classics like Hotel California.
The last photo of Waffles on the evening of the night that he passed. I was driving him to work and he always wanted to sit in the front seat mainly because he wanted to work the radio and find songs on Sirius XM. He was a musician's musician.
Waffles and I at Bumper Nets Arcade in Alabama playing the Batman pinball game. Batman was our favorite DC Character.
How Two Rent A House or Apartment Starring "Waffles" and "Tyler."
NYC Holiday Walk Through Times Square. (Set to Matthew "Waffles" Bahna Piano Cover of U2.)
The Waffles Foundation INC. Our History, Goals, and Mission Statement.
“Weird Al” Yankovic "The Saga Continues" and "Yoda." Dedicated to Matt "Waffles" Bahna. Best Version
Stairway to Heaven Guitar Solo by the late Matthew "Waffles" Bahna. (Awesome Rendition on an SG)
The Late Matthew "Waffles" Bahna at his Comical Best.
The Late Matthew "Waffles" Bahna Playing the Entertainer on a Gibson SG. ( From The Sting Movie.)
Masterful Electric Guitar Cover of the Beatles "Yesterday" by the Late Matthew "Waffles" Bahna
Elisa Donahue and Lauren McAlister Yonkers, New York
Samuel Zarbailov(Sam Zee) South Brooklyn, New York
Diane Larkin Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn, New York
Become an Ambassador today for your local comunity and help us to bring music to kids in all corners of the earth.
Ambassadors spread the good will of our foundation, collect musical instruments, and help raise funds.
If you have a skill or talent that you believe can be used to help our foundation please contact us. Together we can help children in need and develop the world's next musicians.
Do you have a musical instrument that is collecting dust? Would you like to purchase one and send it to us? Donate any instrument or musical equipment to us today and we will make sure that it finds a great home with a kid who wants to play. All donations are tax deductible as we are a certified 501 (c) (3) with the United States Internal Revenue Service. We will pay for your instrument shipping and provide you with a receipt that contains our certified Employer Identification Number; (EIN); that you can provide to you tax professional. Give the gift of music today and together we can "Save Lives Through Music One Note at a Time." We can also accept any other article for donation such as a car, house, or boat. Please call us at (321) 246 - 0335 and we will arrange for a pickup or provide you with shipping information.
Alfred Bahna - Director / President
Lorraine Knepple - Director / Secretary
Luis Quevedo - Director
Kerry Bahna - Treasurer
3994 Mediterranea Circle
Sarasota, FL 34233
Email: wafflesfoundation@gmail.com
