The second annual “Make for Max” Auction was a great success. Such an amazing display of creativity and love. Our friends at Mullenlowe once again sent out an invite for submissions and colleagues, family, friends and friends of friends responded. We had over 70 different items this year. Paintings, photography, ceramics, jewelry, Woodworking, poetry, short stories, and a miniature crochet whale, to name a few. Submissions and bidders came from all over the country. We continue to be moved beyond words by the outpouring of support for our beautiful boy.

May 24th will always be a special day for us. Max loved a good party let alone one where he was the guest of honor. Although the themes changed year to year, the exaltation never waned. We have such vivid memories of the birthday parties around the pool. Max’s birthday being in May always signified the beginning of the fun season. The Pool was always open, jumpy houses and water slides inflated, squirt guns topped off, and the water balloons flew.

Maximus will be Forever-Twelve in our hearts and we look forward to celebrating his beautiful life every year. Thank you to all that helped us remember him in all the ways he would have loved.

Maximus would have been 13 on May 24th. Surrounded by friends we remembered our boy and celebrated him in a way he would have fully enjoyed.

Flowers have always been a part of Stephanie’s gatherings. Stephanie is a huge fan of Gerilyn’s business, for obvious reasons. She has always been a go to for the family - whether it be for the many parties, holiday tables and even that special First Communion boutonniere for Maximus. It was Gerilyn’s wish to pay tribute to Stephanie on a difficult day and surround her with the beauty and love this most strong and special mom deserves. With the boundless support of friends, family and the community, she did that and more.

Once again, the middle school drama kids put on an outstanding show. This years proformance was “We Will Rock You” featuring hits by Queen. They crushed it. Max would have been so proud of them. I am sure he was up there joining in the chorus and looking for the opportunity for a solo. The kids sold illuminating bracelets at intermission to the audience donating the proceeds to the MVFA. Was a beautiful way to include our boy.

Jenkins Elementary has played a big role in our lives. It is comprised of special children, wonderful families and a faculty that holds a special place in our hearts. The 5th Grade Student Ambassadors at Jenkins sold Valentine-grams this year to the student body and their families to raise money for the Maximus Vaccarino Art Fund.

Kjed Mahoney and Becky O’toole hosted a social event at their gallery on Chief Justice Cushing Highway before the holidays. They sold limited edition signed prints and artwork to benefit “…an art fund for Scituate in memory of a special young artist, gone way too soon.”

Close friends from Providence College gathered to support the family and play a round at the Blue Hills Country Club in Canton to honor Maximus and contribute to his fund. John Leonetti at great risk to his name and reputation hosted this beautiful group of guys. Max was very much with us that day.

On Tuesday evening August 3rd our community came together at Scituate High school. Organized by Maximus’ middle school principle Ryan Beattie, it was a moving tribute. We were drawn to Scituate for its undeniable scenic beauty, but have come to lean that it pales in comparison to the beauty of its people. We find solace in the knowledge that Max’s life, although tragically short, was spent surrounded by a community that truly cares for one another.