Mattie’s Field of Dreams
In early 2010, Matt Malkowski, a Grafton high school senior and gifted athlete, was hit by a drunk driver. After 40 days in a coma, he passed away, leaving a hole in the hearts of his family and friends. His parents established a scholarship in his name, but after two years it looked like the scholarship would end. Mel’s Charities didn’t know the Malkowski’s but knew their story and made an annual $500 donation to keep his scholarship going.
A few years later when Grafton Little League considered building a new baseball field, the Malkowski family had a dream to raise funds and name the field after their son. Through four years of successful cornhole tournaments over $50,000 was raised for the field. However, over the years the infrastructure costs increased exponentially. When Mike Ansay, CEO of Ansay & Associates, heard about the funding gap he stepped up, telling Mel’s Charities, “Get this done.” Within weeks, through the combined efforts of Ansay & Associates, Mel’s Charities, Port Washington State Bank and Grafton Little League, and private donations an additional $300,000 was raised.
The Matt Malkowski Memorial Baseball Field opened for play in summer of 2020. Today, Mattie’s Field of Dream on Lakefield Road is a community asset keeping the memory of Matt and his love baseball alive for generations.
Ozaukee Nonprofit Center
The Ozaukee Nonprofit Center’s mission is to sustain a collaborative network by providing event and collaborative workspace–creating the space for people to do great things. As an affiliated agency of the Ozaukee Nonprofit Center, Mel’s Charities has long provided grants to support their mission. By helping the Ozaukee Nonprofit Center provide facilities and resources for so many agencies that help so many people, Mel’s Charities has been able to multiply the impact of our grants.
Community Playgrounds
Mel’s Charities provided support for the following playgrounds:
- All My Friends Playground, Grafton
- Rotary All Children’s Playground, Cedarburg
- Willowbrooke CommUNITY Playground, Cedarburg
Student Art Matters honors Shelby Austin
In 2001, an automobile accident took the life of 17 year old high school senior, Shelby Austin. A multi sport athlete, Shelby loved travel, the outdoors, and was a talented artist.
In Shelby’s honor, Mel’s Charities and the Austin family are helping the Cedarburg Art Museum expand their Student Art Matters into a year round program that includes artists with special needs and students from the local public schools. The new expansion is designed to elevate the experience for all exhibitors by making them feel part of a professional art gallery, with upgraded furniture, artwork frames and artwork labels.
The opening reception for Student Art Matters featured, “Window to Heaven,” a stained glass work Shelby created shortly before passing. Student Art Matters will assure Shelby’s love of art will burn bright and impact lives for years.
Partners With Paws
Mel’s provides funding to this organization that raises and trains service dogs to help disabled individuals improve their quality of life.
Midwest Barbeque Outreach
Midwest Barbeque Outreach stages large scale BBQ fundraisers to support our veterans. Mel’s supports this nonprofit, and also donates to every American Legion post in Ozaukee County.
They are the official BBQ for Mel’s Charities!