Mel’s Charities mission is to provide Great Times for Great Causes, supporting non-profit organizations in Ozaukee County. We have a strong emphasis in special needs, human services and memorial scholarships.
In this Issue
2019 Signature Events
BC's 8-Pin Tap
Pyramax Bank
You Can't Make This Stuff Up
Kevin's Corner
Mel's Magical Moments
Ross Shares His Thoughts
Pigment for a Cause: Art Exhibition
Round Up For Mel's
Dine to Donate
300 Fun(d) Club
2019 Mel's Charities
Signature Events
BC's 8 Pin Tap Bowling MAY 10-11
Cedars III / Cedarburg Register Today
Mel's Night Lakeshore Chinooks JUNE 14
Kapco Park / Mequon Buy your Tickets
Melapalooza Music and Softball JULY 19-20
Centennial Park / Grafton
10th Annual Mel's Fun Run/Walk SEPT 28 Cedars III / Cedarburg
Mel's Pig Roast SEPT 29 Cedars III / Cedarburg
What We Raise Here Stays Here
BC's 8-Pin Tap, Bowling
Community Spotlight Pyramax Bank
We absolutely appreciate the opportunity to work with your group and specifically with BC’s 8 Pin Tap. It is an excellent event and such great people. The cause that BC’s 8 Pin Tap supports, as with Mel’s overall mission, are near and dear to Kelly and my heart and as well as with others at the bank for very personal reasons. The organization of the event is fantastic, and Cedars is a great host!
We certainly walk away with a reinforced sense of what good the money can do and who it helps when it is in the right hands. Mel’s is not only a consummate steward of the funds that are raised but you also provide a bedrock of trust that sponsors look for when they align their brand with a charitable organization.
Sue and BC, you have created an unbelievably fun and successful event. As a life-long resident of Cedarburg, I am ashamed to admit that I had no idea that this was such a massive undertaking. Your work and organization is what ensures that everyone had Great Times for Great Causes! Your effort is admirable and appreciated.
Pyramax is looking forward to seeing everyone on May 10 and 11!
THANK YOU!
Eric Hurd
Pyramax Bank
You Can’t Make This Stuff Up, Mel's Stories Bowled Over by Generosity
People ask me all the time, “How can you possibly have the time and energy to put together so many Great Times for Great Causes and sustain them year after year?”
It’s always a quick reply, “Behind every one of our Signature Events are individuals who take ownership—everyone is passionate about our mission but also dedicated to having fun and not taking themselves too seriously.”
Nine years ago, my friends Brian “BC” Clement and his wife Sue asked if they could put together a bowling event at the iconic Cedars III to help support our mission. They had attended many Mel’s Pig Roasts over the years and witnessed firsthand how we impact lives in our community. They felt it was time to give back and join our dysfunctional family. Trust me, they fit right in!
In 2011, we had about two months to pull this off: no sponsors, no bowlers, no worries, except what to call the darn thing. We quickly realized there were a lot of 9-pin tap events, so why not try an 8-pin? You know, knock down eight, nine or 10 pins and it counts as a strike. It was a different spin on a popular concept, and no matter what your bowling ability, it’s always FUN. “BC’s 8 Pin Tap” was born.
What started with about 40-50 bowlers has blossomed into a major event with Pyramax Bank and Cedars III as signature sponsors; seven shifts; and over 250 individuals attempting to knock down eight or more pins. The Clements have now raised tens of thousands of dollars for Mel’s, and like the rest of the Mel’s team, they’re just getting started. BC’s and Sue’s daughters Leslie and Allison, their family and friends are joining in on the fun. Seeing the younger generation building on what started nine years ago strengthens my belief in the sustainability of Mel’s Charities
Even if you’re not a great bowler (and believe me, very few people are), why not stop by Cedars III on May 10-11 for the fun? If you’re not knocking down the pins you can knock down one of our famous pork sammies (and maybe an adult beverage). More importantly, you can do something that I need to do more often, thank the Clement family for all they do to support Mel’s Charities.
We are blessed to be a part of this special community!
Tom (Mel) Stanton
Kevin's Corner
This month we are highlighting the Clement family, the inspiration behind BC’s 8-Pin-Tap event for Mel’s. Sitting at the Cedars III bowling Alley on May 8, 2018, I had no idea their vision would lead to an all-consuming passion that has become the highlight of my daily routine.
You see, I was just watching my brother and his friends “throwin’ rocks” at BC’s 8-Pin-Tap event. I didn’t even think of participating, but they practically forced me out on the lanes. Michael and his friends let me take their turns so I could get used to throwing a ball from my chair. I hit enough gutters that day to join Leaf Guard as a consultant in the fall. I also left Cedars III with an unexpectedly large smile.
Months later, Ross Rintelman invited me to watch him and the rest of the Ozaukee County Special Olympics bowling team. A week later, Mel’s Board Member Gene Peterson said I could bowl with them every week if interested. With Ross’ encouragement, I took him up on that offer.
I was excited to bowl with my friends until I proceeded to roll a 24! I’m thankful they let me come back week after week to work on my game. Now I hardly go more than a week without rolling into a bowling center.
I never imagined that one year after my first BC’s 8-Pin Tap my father would build a makeshift bowling approach in our garage. I’d also like to thank my brother Michael for not taking “No” for an answer and encouraging what has become a single-minded vision to qualify for National Wheelchair Bowling Association events. And of course, you’ll see me “throwin’ rocks” at BC’s 8-Pin-Tap event on May 10-11.
Kevin Winter
Digital Media Manager
Mel's Charities, Inc.
Community Impact Mel's Magical Moments
We love carrying on the tradition that was started years ago by Cedarburg High School students, which was previously called Portal Prom. At that time our guests were mostly from Portal Industries, but now we have so many from other community outlets such as area group homes, Balance Inc. and Special Olympics.
We changed the name to Mel's Magic Moments Dinner Dance this year, and it sums up the night pretty darn well. The night IS MAGIC, not only for our guests but also for our CHS student volunteers who help do food prep (Under the guidance of Donna Erickson and From Scratch Catering) decorate Webster Commons, serve our guests dinner and then stay for the BEST part of the night, which is dancing arm in arm, hand in hand, and hands joined with guests who are in wheelchairs.
It is our (my workmate Diane Kennedy) favorite event of the year. It truly is Magical. Each year we leave saying if all of the world would see life through the eyes of our guests we would have so much less violence, hatred, and wars; but instead would express love, kindness, generosity, and acceptance to all.
The crazy part is we get so many accolades for the night, when in reality, it takes an army of generous donors to make this dinner dance so Magical, especially Mel's Charities, Dennis Hillgartner, Randy Groth, Canopies, of course From Scratch Catering and so many others. Our hearts explode with gratitude.
Patty Clapper
Cedarburg High School Community Service
Ross Shares His Thoughts
This year's theme was Mel's Magical Night Dinner Dance. Patty Clapper and Diane Kennedy along with the CHS student volunteers ran this outstanding night to support for Mel’s Charities.
This Prom meant a lot to Andy Peterson and myself, as ambassadors for Mel’s Charities. What an amazing night it was! Thank you for making this happen and all the students for taking their time to serve the outstanding meals provided by From Scratch Catering. This is the one time that I like to dance
Thank you of all the community members who give donations and make the prom so special every year in March! How cool this will be forever called Mel’s Magic Moments Dinner Dance
Sincerely,
Mr. Ross Rintelman
Board Member & Ambassador
Mel's Charities, Inc.
Pigment For a Cause Art Show Cedarburg Art Museum
W63 N675 Washington Ave, Cedarburg May 1 - June 16, 2019
Opening Reception, Open to the Public
Friday, May 3
6:00 - 8:00 pm
Please Join Mel's Charities at Cedarburg Art Museum as we celebrate our first Pigment for a Cause exhibition.
Our young adults and mentors have worked diligently on creating art for this show.
Stop by the museum, Friday, May 3, for the Opening Reception.
Events on Behalf of Mel's Helping Us, Helping Others
Round-Up for Mel's The idea of our 'Round Up' campaign originated with Tom (Mel) Stanton. He approached us early last year when discovering we shared 20th anniversaries! After hearing his concept... it took very little time to agree and work out the details. We've been very fortunate to have an amazing amount of local support and think it only right that we return the favor. Mel's 'What We Raise Here Stays Here' fits perfectly with our objective of giving back to the community.
Steve Michalica
Owner, Wayne’s Drive Inn
Dine to Donate The Stilt House is a proud community supporter and has always enjoyed assisting Mel's in its mission to support the local community. As a partner in the community, we recognize and actively practice fundraising throughout the year to assist charities and non-profits in their ventures. Mel's provides much-needed assistance to those in need and we want to do everything we can to join in that mission! Gordon Goggins Owner, The Stilt House
300 Fun(d) We are looking for 300 people to give $300 for 3 years to help sustain Mel’s mission long into the future and allow for greater support of our local communities. - Tom “Mel” Stanton.
Pyramax is looking forward to seeing everyone on May 10 and 11! 
We changed the name to Mel's Magic Moments Dinner Dance this year, and it sums up the night pretty darn well. The night IS MAGIC, not only for our guests but also for our CHS student volunteers who help do food prep (Under the guidance of Donna Erickson and From Scratch Catering) decorate Webster Commons, serve our guests dinner and then stay for the BEST part of the night, which is dancing arm in arm, hand in hand, and hands joined with guests who are in wheelchairs.
