CNA Tragically Shot at the Palmetto Night Club - Gwennette Matthews - CNA Heroes on CNA-TV
Channel: CNA TV - NAHCA Broadcasting Network
Date: 2019-11-09

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In researching for these segments, it seems there is always a thread of similarity among the stories.  That common thread is that the CNA or ALC is always described by friends, family, co-workers, neighbors and patients as the kindest person always wanting to help and do for others!  I believe this love for others and deep desire to take care of everyone is a CNA trait that truly helps define the role.  Thank you to the Florida Herald Tribune for keeping this story in the media.

Gwenette Matthews was a 38 year old CNA from Bradenton, Florida.  She was tragically shot down on September 10, 2011 at a Palmetto night club that killed two people and injured 22 others when two armed gunman sprayed 40 bullets into the crowd.  To this day no arrests have been made.

Shawn Matthews, Gwenette’s niece, describes her as a giving person.  Gwenette would take people in, feed them and give them clothes.  Even in death, Gwenette’s generous spirit lives on.
Each year Shawn Matthews takes disadvantaged kids from the area and gives them a Christmas to remember in honor of Gwenette, as Gwenette would have done. This year she is planning on 120 kids, plus their parents. First the family will cook for them — ham, mashed potatoes, the works. Linen napkins are put out on each table, because that’s what the families deserve, Shawn says.

Each kid gets a toy and a book. Clowns provide entertainment. Some of the stuff is donated. Some of it is not. The family is always looking for more donations, money, gift cards — anything helps. 

Shawn Matthews states, “I know I can change someone’s life, even for a brief moment, And if I do that I know I have accomplished something in my life, that something good came out of it.”
“I pray my aunt finds glory in that.”

Every year on Gwenette’s birthday — Dec. 12 — the family gathers at her grave in Palmetto. They write prayers on paper, then attach them to balloons and let them fly. The number of balloons corresponds with the age she would have been. This year there will be 47.

The family remains hopeful that one day they will show up at her grave with the best birthday present of all: News of an arrest.

Gwenette Matthews was a caring CNA taken way too soon.
Today please join me in celebrating the life of Gwenette Matthews, CNA Hero.


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