Since 1999, Mel’s Charities, Inc. has been having fun and impacting countless lives throughout Ozaukee County. Wispact is proud to support Mel’s Charities with a $5,000 grant to support their PIGments for a Cause program.
The story begins over 20 years ago when Tom “Mel” Stanton and his wife Nancy, gathered a group 50 friends at the Cedars III Bowling Lanes. At that event Mel realized how fortunate he and his friends were and wondered if there was a way to help others who were not so lucky. At that time, Mel learned of a single mother with a special needs child. Mel’s group then decided to hold a raffle that raised $350 which was donated to the Special Olympics. Since then, Mel’s Charities has grown significantly and has been actively supporting other like-minded non-profit organizations in Ozaukee County.
“Wispact is a perfect partner, they believe in our mission. They’re in the trenches every day, meeting with and supporting families with disabilities. We couldn’t be more grateful for what they do and the support they’ve provided us.”
— Tom “Mel” Stanton, Founder Mel’s Charities, Cedarburg, WI
To date, Mel’s has awarded just under $2 million in grants supporting persons with disabilities, memorials and community impact. Fundraising is accomplished through donations, grants and several signature events including Mel’s pig roast which will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2023. One hundred percent of the net proceeds from all events are donated back to the community.
Wispact’s grant will be used to support PIGments for a Cause which includes artists with special needs who are impacting lives in their community through art. The Wispact grant will allow Pigments for a Cause to increase participation and purchasing supplies.
“Wispact is a perfect partner, they believe in our mission. They’re in the trenches every day, meeting with and supporting families with disabilities. We couldn’t be more grateful for what they do and the support they’ve provided us,” Mel concluded.
About Wispact
Wispact’s mission is to improve the lives of people of all ages with disabilities across Wisconsin through the management of special needs trusts to provide more choice, more opportunities, and a better quality of life.
Our special needs trusts are created to help preserve the assets of people with disabilities without endangering their eligibility for public benefits or placement on waiting lists.
About the Wispact Foundation
The Wispact Inc. Foundation was established in 2021 in recognition of its dedication to provide a broader scope of service and create more opportunities for improving the lives of persons with disabilities across Wisconsin.