The whole thing started at Mel’s Pig Roast!
Our Story
At Cedars III, in Cedarburg, Tom “Mel” Stanton and friends collected $350 for Special Olympics in memory of a friend’s sister who had recently passed away and was blessed with a special needs daughter.
Who would have imagined that simple, kind gesture that impacted one life would grow into the known name for having fun and impacting lives throughout Ozaukee County.
What began as an annual pig roast has grown to include a calendar of events throughout the year. We’ve stayed true to our slogan, “What We Raise Here Stays Here.” One hundred percent of the net proceeds from our events goes back into the community.
Click HERE to see 2023 grant recipients.
Having fun, impacting lives—it’s a simple recipe that since 1999, has donated over $2,300,000. The best part—we’re just getting started!
In 2019, our 25-minute documentary, aptly titled “You Can Make This Stuff Up, was released. Click below to view.
Mel’s Charities Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) organization. Federal EIN# 35-2357385.
$2.3 million in grants since 1999
Awards
2007 Cedarburg Chamber of Commerce Community Service Person of the Year
2009 Grafton Chamber of Commerce Community Service Person of the Year
2009 Grafton Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Group of the Year
2010 The Rotary Foundation Paul Harris Fellowship Award
2015 Best Buddies of Wisconsin Van Handel Family Spirit of Inclusion Award
2016 Partnership Bank. Ordinary People. Extraordinary Citizens Award
2022 Balance, Inc. Spirit Independence Award
2023 Horizon Home Care & Hospice Matters of the Heart Award
2023 Saukville Chamber of Commerce, Organization of the Year