Our Story / Memorial
The Heart Behind the Foundation
The Michael & Michelle Foundation started with a love story and a promise to make life better for local kids, families, and those in need. Driven by a deep commitment to protect and empower those who cannot fend for themselves, Michael and Michelle Halpern spent their lives lifting up the local community.
When Michael and Michelle broke the news about Michelle’s cancer diagnosis to their young boys, Michael spoke with immense pride about the bravery his children showed in that heavy moment. That pivotal moment coined Michelle’s Foundation’s core motto
"Never Let Your Burdens Define You."
The family collectively decided they would not be defined by cancer, but instead by how they responded to it. Refusing to let adversity win, the young boys took to the streets of Key Haven with coffee cans, collecting loose change to help local families who were struggling with cancer. When they stopped at Mr. Frank Toppino’s home, he dropped a check for $1,000 into a coffee can — and in that moment, Michelle’s Foundation was born.
When Michelle passed away in 2011 after a brave ten‑year battle with cancer, Michael established the foundation in her honor to ensure her spirit of radical kindness lived on. Though both Michael and Michelle ultimately lost their battles with cancer, they are remembered not for any disease, but for their incredible courage and how they responded to adversity.
Over the years, Michael expanded the foundation’s reach to help overcome the burdens students face in their education — driven by a belief that opportunity should be open to all. On one occasion, Michael walked into a bank, asked a young man, “What stopped you from attending college?” and immediately walked him straight to the admissions office.
Understanding that true community support extends to all vulnerable lives, the foundation expanded its scope to back multiple local nonprofits benefiting the community as well as the animal population. As Michael declared during his final speech at “ThanksGiving Back to Key West”: “We fight for all those who can’t fend for themselves.”
Following Michael’s passing in December 2024, the foundation naturally evolved into the Michael & Michelle Foundation, continuing their shared lifelong efforts to support, protect, and uplift the local community. Today, we honor both of their legacies by continuing the exact work they started: removing financial barriers, feeding hungry kids, and lifting up our community.