"Miracles for Miss Melanie"
Melanie Hamilton is a native of Milford Connecticut. She graduated from the University of North Carolina with a Bachelors of Science degree in Human Development and Family Studies. After working in various childcare roles, Hamilton decided to open Great Beginnings Preschool in July of 2004. She always loved working with children but it wasn’t until she started looking for a preschool program for her niece Danielle, that she decided to start a preschool of her own.

Melanie has used the school as the foundation for her involvement with several community programs in Milford. She donates annually to the Special Olympics, Cancer Research, MS Research, to local needy families with her Thanksgiving dinner, books to Yale Children’s Hospital along with many other local organizations. In 2011 she earned a certificate from the Milford’s Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI). Melanie used this as an opportunity to learn more about how she could contribute her talents in the community, as well as learn more about the programs available to help her with her son.

Melanie is the mother of a beautiful 7 year old boy named Billy. Billy had a stroke at birth and was born with Cerebral Palsy and Epilepsy. Although Billy faces many daily challenges he has flourished and continues to amaze his parents with his accomplishments. In 2010, Melanie had a full hysterectomy for a genetic form of cancer. She will have a double mastectomy in the spring of 2013 as well.

In August 2011, Melanie and her family were displaced after tropical storm Irene. It took 12 long months to complete repairs in their home. While Hamilton had insurance, and flood insurance, very few of the expenses for the remodeling were covered, and the family had to fund the repairs themselves. They were only back in their home for 8 weeks when they were displaced once again by Hurricane Sandy.

This time the damage was much more severe. The house has been deemed uninhabitable by the City, and Melanie, her husband Jason, and Billy are living with her sister and niece. They are making the best of a giant family sleepover while Melanie and Jason try to make a plan for their future. Melanie and her family remain positive and continue to work together to prepare for her surgery, and whatever the future brings
Saturday December 8th 5 -10 PM
The Milford Elks Club

TICKETS
$30
As a community of friends of Miss Melanie this fundraiser proceeds will go directly to Melanie and her family. The evening will include a dinner, desserts, cash bar, the band "The Navels", a DJ and huge silent auction items and raffles all during the night. Tickets are limited to 130 however, if you would prefer to donate you can still make a donation of any amount by selecting the donations link.  100% of the entire evening will be going to Melanie. Special thanks to Milford Elks for donating the room and some food and paper items.
Pictures of some of the damage  -  several before and after pictures.
If you are interested in helping or attending or have questions please contact Erika Higgins at edblu10@hotmail.com
DONATE TO MELANIE VIA THE MILFORD UNITED WAY
Since space is limited to a maximum capacity of 130 we are requesting adults only. If you want to donate, but won't be attending, please click HERE
See the "Today Show"
Episode HERE
Need a vacation? Embrace the true holiday spirit this season by helping somebody in need while enjoying a fabulous vacation Check out the amazing trips that are part of this silent auction and at the same time you'll be helping Ms. Melanie