'Swish for Mush' honors friend lost to domestic violence

By Frances Ruth Harris
GOSHEN — Matt Gomes wanted to honor Mujtabah Lodhi, the best friend he lost in an act of horrific violence in 2013.

Mush — as Mujtabah was known to those who knew and loved him — died at the age of 13 at the hands of his father, who also killed his wife and younger son before killing himself. The family was from Pleasant Valley.

Mush loved sports, so a high school basketball game, called "Swish for Mush," was dedicated in his honor on Feb. 3. Matt wanted closure for himself and those who still missed their dear friend.

Matt worked with Kurtis Kotes, the Goshen High School principal, and Greg Voloshin, assistant principal and director of athletics, to dedicate the Goshen vs. Monticello game to Mush. Everyone wore purple to in his memory.

A bake sale and 50/50 raffle were held during the game, with many baked goods items completely selling out. Youth Educator Gen Herman of Safe Homes of Orange County was also on hand.

Matt wants people to know that domestic violence is real. He said Mush’s father, Abbas, and little brother, Zain, always had broad smiles to share with everyone they met. Mush told the best jokes, and Matt said was always eager to hear a new one from his friend. They played sports and computer games together.

Matt is starting a scholarship fund in Mush's name. He said he wanted to do something so that no one will ever forget Mush's name. Profits from the bake sale and raffle, and other contributions and donations will form the foundation of The Mujtaba Lodhi Scholarship Fund. To contribute, make checks out to The Mujtaba Lodhi Scholarship Fund, c/o Cheryl Carpenter-Gomes, and mail them to 5 Nelson St., Goshen, NY.

For more information about the fund call Cheryl at 845-294 9742.