In 1995 a group of friends gathered at the Cedars Lanes in Cedarburg to watch the Green Bay Packers play the Cleveland Browns. About fifty people attended the first year. Each year a few more people joined us at this annual event.

In 1999 Blaine Bergmann lost his sister to cancer. The event decided to raise money for Blaine’s niece, a Special Olympian. Ozaukee County Special Olympics was the recipient of $300 that year.

In 2009, Mel's Pig Roast, Inc. became a 501(c)(3) organization.

In 2010, over 800 people attended. $41,000 was donated to local Special Needs organizations and Scholarship Funds.

Mel’s Pig Roast has become an event everyone enjoys – a great time for great causes.

Read an article from the News Graphic, September 2010

Mel's Pig Roast, Inc. through the generosity of those who support us, was able to disperse $41,000 to the following local charities in 2010:

Ozaukee County Special Olympics: Provide funding for equipment, uniforms, transportation costs and facility rentals 

Threshold: Provide funding to purchase a Bariatric Electric Mat Platform Table and Electric Hoyer lift in memory of Donnel Lauters and Mary Nygaard

Niki Doedens Scholarship Fund: College Scholarships to deserving recipients in memory of Niki.

Ryan Refinski Immunology Fund at Children’s Hospital/Dominican High School: In memory of Ryan Refinski.

Cedarburg High School Community Service Program: Provide funding for Portal Prom. A great night of dinner and dancing for special needs individuals. 

Starting Point of Ozaukee County: Provide funding for LEAD High School members to attend a leadership camp on the dangers of drugs and alcohol. In memory of Matthew Kobiske.

Circle of Friends of Ozaukee County: Provide funding for recreational opportunities for people with special needs and their families.

Cedarburg High School Scholarship Fund: In memory of Brian Rintelman

Grafton Gladiators: College scholarships in memory of coach Rick King. Also, provide d a donation in memory of former player Matt Malkowski.

Ozaukee Family Services/RAINBOWS program: Provide funding for a Christmas party. This program helps children cope with the loss of a parent or a sibling.  

TJ Beck Scholarship Fund: College scholarships to worthy recipients who share the same passion as TJ.

Family Enrichment Center of Ozaukee: Provide funding for a 55” wireless connection TV to be utilized by the 8 nonprofit organizations who reside in this facility.

Chris Kalies Scholarship Fund: College scholarships at Grafton High School in memory of Chris.

Lutheran Special School: Provide funding for students with special needs in the areas of learning, social and emotional difficulties

Easter Seals of Wisconsin: Provide funding for a summer special needs camp.

Best Buddies of Wisconsin: Provide funding to this program at Cedarburg High School. CHS and special needs students partner together and enjoy programs/events together.

Interfaith Caregivers of Ozaukee: Provided funding for marketing efforts and promotion of the organization which includes the volunteer meeting and workshops and their newsletter/annual report.   

A total of $41,000 was dispersed in 2010. Over the last 11 years, $206,550 has been raised after expenses.

Click here to view a video of 10 years of Mel's Pig Roast memories