MELROSE — In a powerful show of community action, nine local residents launched ‘Melrose Stands Up’ and hosted their first sold-out fundraiser that brought together more than 150 people and raised over $20,000 for the ACLU of Massachusetts. The event highlighted the urgency of defending civil liberties amid growing threats under the current administration.
“Back in January, we felt called to act,” said Linda Thompson, one of the event’s co-hosts. “We wanted to bring together like-minded neighbors to support an organization whose mission is to defend the rights of all people – so we created ‘Melrose Stands Up’. The group chose the ACLU recognizing its vital role in driving critical advocacy and legal work – now more than ever.”
Carol Rose, executive director of the ACLU of Massachusetts and former Melrose resident, addressed the crowd. “I’m deeply grateful to this community for coming together to support our critical advocacy and legal work, both nationally and right here in Massachusetts,” said Rose. “Democracy is a muscle—the more we flex it, the stronger it becomes. Community organizing like this is exactly what it takes to protect our freedoms.”
Rose emphasized the ACLU’s multi-pronged approach: litigation, legislation and coalition-building to protect civil liberties. The ACLU is leading half of the 275 legal challenges against the Trump administration— including many right here in Massachusetts. Their work defends voting rights, free speech, due process, reproductive freedom, LGBTQ+ equality, racial justice, and more.
A personal story that resonates today
Maggie Schroeder of Saugus, the daughter of immigrants and a guest speaker at the event, shared her family’s harrowing escape from ethnic cleansing in post-WWII Yugoslavia. Her story drew striking parallels to modern U.S. immigration policies. “It warms my heart to see Americans standing up for immigrants and refugees,” Schroeder said. “History is repeating itself—only now it’s happening here, by our own government. We must not stay silent.” Kim LaFontana echoed that call to action: “We cannot be scared into submission. We must stand up so what happened to Maggie’s family never happens again.”
Community impact
Leftover food from the event—sandwiches, chips, and desserts—was donated to The Food Drive, a non-profit dedicated to addressing food insecurity, food rescue and hunger relief in our community. “Thank you ‘Melrose Stands Up’ for coordinating the donation. The food was delivered to a local shelter currently housing 40 guests who were deeply grateful.” noted Jana Jimenez, Executive Director and Melrose resident.
Goal setting
Originally set with a $10,000 goal, the fundraising effort quickly surpassed expectations, doubling its impact thanks to generous contributions from friends, neighbors, and local businesses.
Organizing committee
Laurie Chomko, Patty DeAngelis, Joy Fay, Shannan Hanson, Kim LaFontana, Wendy Lovett, Linda Thompson (Melrose), Marianne Folino (Wakefield), and Jessica Leitz (former Melrose resident.
Raffle & silent auction donors
Businesses: Caffe Nero, EMB Aesthetics, Free-Range Kids, Garden Aglow Landscape Lighting Design, Molly’s Bookstore, Mexico Lindo, New Look Optical, Precision Nurse Aesthetics Medical Spa, Rising Eagle Publick House, Starbucks, Bohemian Coffeehouse, To Make Beautiful Salon & Spa, and Wood & Fire Pizzeria.
Individuals: Heidi Barraza, Karen Buck, Joy Fay, Marianne Folino & Jim Mogavero, Sam Hammar, Naomi Kahn, Kim & Dave LaFontana, Jessica Leitz, Wendy & George Lovett, Heather Schirmer Mahoney & Tom Mahoney, Jean O’Toole, Jane Roper, Brooke & Tim Sulahanin and Linda & Mark Thompson.