Who We Are

The four pieces of our puzzle. Where do you fit?

DOERS: they roll up their sleeves and get the job done
DONORS: every dollar given is greatly appreciate
DOOR OPENERS: who do you know and how can they help?
DREAMERS: big idea people who take us in new directions

TOM "MEL" STANTON

Executive Director

After growing up in Cleveland and Green Bay, Mel settled in Ozaukee County in the mid 1980s. This journey began when he encouraged a gathering of friends to help one family in need. From that simple act of charity, Mel’s Charities has grown into an organization that has raised over $2million to impact countless lives in Ozaukee County. Mel truly has a servant’s heart, guided by a strong faith, and driven with incredible energy to find new ways to impact people in our community.

“Our story is a true testament of what can be accomplished by having fun, not taking yourself too seriously and a huge dose of God’s grace. We keep impacting more lives every year…and we’re just getting started.”

ED TRYGSTAD

Board of Directors – President

Ed was raised on a small farm in South Dakota and through his career at Miller Brewing, finally settled in Ozaukee County in 1997. Upon retiring from Miller Coors in 2018, Ed followed his passion to give back and feels blessed to be welcomed onto Mel’s Charities team, where he is now president. Ed and his wife Melinda reside in the Town of Cedarburg and are dedicated to making lives better through Mel’s Charities.

“Giving back and paying it forward is so vital the overall well-being of communities. Among my many blessings is the opportunity to support the mission of Mel’s Charities.”