Why Focus on Individuals?

Many nonprofits have noble goals, such as serving the homeless or assisting those in need of shelter. At The Michael Anthony Foundation, we take a different approach: we focus on helping individuals. There are several compelling reasons for this, all tied to our mission: "Restoring Hope: One Bed at a Time."

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The Inspiration Behind the Foundation

The Michael Anthony Foundation is named after my late brother, Michael Anthony Pirtle. Michael and I were close, but we had our differences. We couldn’t talk politics and often had contrasting views on how things worked. Despite this, he was my brother, and I loved him deeply.

On January 2, 2024, Michael was rushed to the hospital due to blood clots in his lungs. He also mentioned back pain from a fall, but the doctors focused on his immediate condition and sent him home. A wellness check brought him back to the ER, where he faced blood pressure issues. Despite plans to release him on February 14, Michael pleaded with the doctors to investigate his back pain further. A test involving a throat probe caused a tear, leading to an MRSA infection. His discharge was canceled.

During this time, I was working as a Store Manager at Mattress Firm. Whenever I wasn’t working, I was at the hospital. On February 16, I received a call at 10 a.m. while preparing for a closing shift. Michael had lost all feeling from the chest down. The following days were a blur. He underwent major surgery to address the fracture in his back and the MRSA infection, but his spine was irreparably damaged.

In April, I moved Michael into my apartment. By early May, he was rushed to the hospital again. During his final months, I witnessed two things: first, he was often treated like just a number as he was shuttled between hospitals and nursing homes. Second, Michael displayed incredible grace and compassion, even when he was in pain. His attitude changed my life.

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The Birth of the Foundation

In April 2026, I had a dream where I came into money and started a nonprofit called "The Michael Anthony Foundation." The idea resonated with me, and I decided not to wait to make it a reality.

Through my work in Mattress Firm Commercial Sales, I had already been helping nonprofits and shelters. For example, I assisted shelters in purchasing institutional mattresses and helped families secure beds for foster placements. However, I could not scale these efforts. Naming the foundation after Michael felt right—it emphasized the importance of the individual. My nephew, who had a common name, often added "The" before his name to stand out. I borrowed this idea for the foundation.

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Why Focus on Individuals?

Our focus on individuals stems from our size as a small nonprofit. Tackling large-scale problems can feel overwhelming, but by helping one person or family at a time, we can make a measurable difference. For example, Chris and Marie could bring their grandson, Scott, into their home. Scott could even get to choose the bed and bedding that he would be using.

To personalize our solutions, we created the concept of "Bed Sets." These sets include a mattress (with options for size, materials, and firmness), a foundation, an encasement, a mattress protector, sheets, and pillow(s). Nonprofits vet referrals and come to us when their grants cannot cover specific needs. We then meet the individual or family at a local Mattress Firm store to select the best package for them.

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Our Mission

Our mission is simple yet profound: "Restoring Hope: One Bed at a Time." By focusing on individuals, we ensure that every effort makes a tangible difference. Our goal is to repeat this outcome as many times as possible, helping one person, one family, and one bed at a time.

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