The Merritt Matrix

04/20/2026

Excited to have Slingin' Weenies join us on Saturday for our Annual Merritt Matrix Co****le Tournament!

We’ve got a couple days off to do some maintenance and upkeep as we gear up for a WILD SUMMER!

We have lots of plans and more fun coming to so much of West Michigan!
First up is an authors fair at the Dorr Township Library!

Open to the public and can’t wait to serve you. Come get a late lunch or dinner!

04/16/2026

A big thank you to Pro Auto Service for their continued support!

What started through a mutual connection has grown into a partnership we truly value. Being a Byron Center business, it means even more knowing their donations are going right back into supporting kids in their own community.

Year after year, they continue to show up and we’re incredibly grateful to have them as part of our sponsorship family for our 4th Annual Merritt Matrix Co****le Tournament!

04/15/2026

We truly wouldn’t be here without the people who believed in us from the very beginning.

A huge thank you to Glen Valley Dentistry - not just our family dentist, but a day-one supporter of The Merritt Matrix. They’ve consistently shown up for us, always willing to step in, lend support, and ask how Merr is doing (which means more than we can put into words).

This is what real community partnership looks like. We’re incredibly grateful to have them in our corner for our upcoming co****le tournament!

04/08/2026

Come join us - grab a partner, hang out for the afternoon, and enjoy the food trucks!

Whether you’re playing or just stopping by, it’s a great way to spend the day and be part of something that’s making a real impact.

04/08/2026

We’re incredibly grateful to our friends at Hannapel Pellillo Orthodontics for their continued support of our 4th Annual Merritt Matrix Co****le Tournament!

They’ve been with us from the very beginning - without any personal ties to our family - showing up purely out of love and support for their community. That kind of commitment means more than we can put into words.

We’re also so thankful for their team and staff who don’t just support from afar, but actually show up, participate, and are part of the event every year.

Because of partners like them, we’re able to keep growing and reaching more students and families who need access to communication.

04/02/2026

We’re close… but not done yet.

Our co****le tournament is coming up, and we’re looking for a few more sponsors to help us expand beyond TK, Byron Center, and Caledonia into new districts.

Every sponsor = more kids getting access to communication.

If you’ve been thinking about supporting, or know a business that should be involved, now’s the time.

Tag them. Send this to them. Or message us directly.

Let’s push this thing over the edge!!

11/26/2025

FINAL CALL! Tomorrow is the LAST DAY to nominate!

The Thank You Project is closing soon, and we don’t want anyone to be missed.

We’ve already received so many amazing nominations and stories, keep them coming!

If there’s someone at Thornapple Kellogg who has made a meaningful impact on your family, now is the time to recognize them.

Deadline: Tomorrow
Scan the QR code or use the link to nominate.

Let’s celebrate the people who make all the difference. 🖤🧡

Help The Merritt Matrix say "Thank You" to local educators and support professionals who have made meaningful differences for students with communication or developmental needs. Through their Thank You Project, the Merrit Matrix is seeking nominations through NOVEMBER 26! If you know a special teacher, paraprofessional, specialist, administrator, office staff member, bus driver, custodian or any other school staff who have made meaningful differences for students with special needs please take a few minutes and nominate them for this recognition now and help the Merritt Matrix say Thank you! Scan the QR code or go directly to https://forms.gle/mV1DLAWNKBatVxEf8

TKSTRONG

11/21/2025

Completely unexpected and incredibly appreciated. 💙

We were truly blown away to learn that The Merritt Matrix was nominated and chosen as the Q4 donation recipient through the Guys Who Give - Barry County giving circle.

To every member who showed up and voted for our mission - thank you. Your support means more than you know.

Because of you, more local kids who struggle with spoken language will receive AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) devices - tools that help them express their wants, needs, feelings, and thoughts. These devices help children say things like:
“I want.”
“I need.”
“I love you.”
“I am happy.”

From a small, local nonprofit to a community of big-hearted givers: Thank you for choosing to invest in voices within our community!

For anyone interested in making a donation, contributions can be made online or by check using the instructions shared in the event post. Every single gift helps give another child a way to be heard.

We had a nice turnout for Wedneday's Q4 Event! Great brewery tour, food and drinks from our host: Walldorff Brewpub - thank you, Michael Barnaart!

📣 Winner of the Q4 donation is The Merritt Matrix - an organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with autism who struggle with language deficits and delays. Their primary goal is to raise funds to provide Alternative Augmentative Communication (AAC) devices.

$100 Payment Instructions:

"Easy Button" Option: Pay online at: https://www.guyswhogive.org/donate/to/event/barry-county-mi

Check Option: Write your check to: "Merritt Matrix."

Mail checks to:

Guys Who Give - Barry County
ATTN: Chelsey Foster
c/o Highpoint Community Bank
150 W. Court St.
Hastings, MI 49058

See everyone at our Q1 Event on Wednesday, February 11th at Venue 1230. Doors open at 5:30pm, program at 6:00pm.

11/20/2025

Keep sending your nominations! We have one week left for The Thank You Project!

11/10/2025

Every school has them - the people who make a difference in quiet, powerful ways. The ones who show up every day with patience, creativity, and heart. The ones who help students feel seen, supported, and capable of anything.

This season, The Merritt Matrix is proud to launch The Thank You Project, a community-driven way to recognize the incredible staff who make Thornapple Kellogg and Byron Center such special places to learn and grow.

From teachers and therapists to aides, bus drivers, office staff, and custodians - this project is about celebrating everyone who helps our kids find their confidence and their voice.

Through your nominations, we’ll surprise local school staff with small gestures of gratitude this December - because we believe gratitude can be just as powerful as the voices you help bring to life.

Scan the QR code or click the link in the comments to nominate someone today! The form is open, so you can celebrate as many amazing people as you’d like. Nominations open through November 26.

While we’re starting this year with Thornapple Kellogg and Byron Center, two districts that have been incredible partners in helping us gift communication devices to students, our hope is to grow The Thank You Project into even more schools next year.

Let’s show the people who believe in our kids just how much they’re appreciated. Together, we can turn every Echo of kindness into a lasting Voice of gratitude.