Invest in Others – Michael Meltzer!
Maya’s Hope is very pleased to announce that our Treasurer and Chairman of the Board, Michael Meltzer, has won the Global Community Impact Award at the 10th annual Community Leadership Awards, presented by the Invest in Others Charitable Foundation and InvestmentNews.
Michael Meltzer’s passion, intelligence, and determination has contributed to helping children who would be otherwise forgotten. Michael Meltzer is not just a financial advisor; he truly cares deeply about his clients and gives time and talent to Maya’s Hope.
Michael Meltzer has transformed Maya’s Hope into an idea of helping impoverished children to a charity of superstars and cutie pies!
Michael sponsors Princess Ericka
He has nurtured, developed it, and grown it… bringing awareness to the children who may one day be adopted or who may benefit from lifesaving medical treatment.
Joshua, before and after lifesaving cranial surgery
There’s a little boy at an orphanage in Ukraine named Yura. He has cardiomyopathy and has mental delays. Despite his diagnosis, he is always smiling, laughing, dancing and being loud.
Yura
Michael wanted to make sure that our program in Ukraine runs smoothly and fundraised to provide caregivers who take care of Yura. Yura became one of the driving forces, and Michael used to get upset and ask why Yura was even at a mental asylum. He wanted Yura to be adopted because he deserved love. Thanks to the awareness we spread, Yura will soon be adopted by a family in America.
Maya’s Hope exists because of Michael Meltzer. When I was packing boxes to send to orphanages in the Philippines, he couldn’t stand the thought that I was doing so much and funding it myself. It wasn’t sustainable. He said, “Maya, you should turn this into a nonprofit.” And that’s when he took the lead.
With precision and efficiency, Michael researched, sought the help of legal advisors, and extended his social network to discover the children we help. He is the compliance officer and provides financial guidance over the past five years.
As Chairman of the Board, Michael recruited volunteers and experts. Before we could afford a bookkeeper, he did the bookkeeping himself! He now reviews reports from the bookkeeper, prepares tax returns, and manages the finances and spending. He found us an office space and helped paint the office himself in his suit.
He reminds me to think big for the sake of all the children. Thanks to his advice, I have come up with smarter strategies to grow Maya’s Hope. After we got an office in 2014, Maya’s Hope grew by 165% that year. Our first gala was in a boutique and last year, we sold out a mansion and had 335 attendees. Despite his busy schedule, he fundraises for various needs of the children within our program and contributes for any medical emergency.
Thanks to his dedication and precision of his work, Maya’s Hope has helped bring awareness to orphans with special needs at orphanages in Ukraine, which resulted in 20 adoptions of children with special needs. Currently, 8 children who grew up in the slums are attending college in the Philippines. 8 lives were saved last year from medical procedures.
Margarita, adopted
Michael’s integrity is the backbone of the organization. As we continue to grow each year, more and more kids have hope for a better life thanks to “Uncle Michael.”
Maya Rowencak
Michael and Maya
