HomeFundraising and Donations
The Saratoga Palio
The Melanie Foundation raises most of its scholarship money by hosting a half marathon and 5K race in honor of Melanie Merola O'Donnell. The Melanie Foundation partnered with Palio Communications, a global advertising and communications agency based in Saratoga Springs, NY in 2007. Palio Communications works closely with the Foundation and entire race committee and continues to be the premier sponsor of the The Saratoga Palio: Melanie Merola O'Donnell Memorial Race.
To all our wonderful sponsors, we thank you!
Community
The generosity of the community and the enthusiasm for the cause has had a significant impact on the success of the race and the scholarship fund. Individuals and groups have provided a range of donations in order to support the scholarship’s mission to mental health education and community awareness of mental health issues.
All financial contributions were previously applied directly to scholarship awards. For the past two years, due to the success of our fundraising efforts, the Foundation has not only been able to provide additional scholarships, but we have also been able to make donations to community organizations.
- In 2009 a donation of $5,000 was made to Saratoga Bridges.
- In 2010 a donation of $6,500 was made to the Saratoga Hospital Inpatient Mental Health Unit.
- In 2011 a donation of $7,500 was made to Franklin Community Center.
- In 2012, a donation of $7,500 was made to World's Window
- In 2013, a donation will be made to Jake's Help From Heaven
We are confident that our success will continue so that we too can continue to make charitable contributions in Melanie's honor!
2010: George O'Donnell speaks with Terry Lee, Executive Director of the hospital's Foundation Saratoga Cares, along with other employees of Saratoga Hospital.
Privacy Policy: The Melanie Foundation does not collect information from site visitors only from applicants to the scholarship. The applicant information collected is used exclusively to select a scholarship recipient. Applicants will be contacted only if there are clarifying questions regarding application information and to inform applicants of their status. Thank you.
Please click on the logo above to view our thank you video!
George O'Donnell, president of The Melanie Foundation, presenting a check to members of Franklin Community Center in 2011.
