‘Melissa’s Garden’ is a project being carried out in memory of Melissa Anderson Donahue by her close friends, family, and colleagues who want to continue to spread her love and compassion for the community she held so close to her heart.

As a South Boston native, Melissa began working at MAB (Mass. Association for the Blind) in 2005 as a house manager. Over the years, Melissa developed close personal relationships with her participants, introducing them to her family, bringing them to her home, noticing gaps in basic needs, and taking them out on adventures.

At the root of Melissa’s work was compassion and empathy. She would always want to apply a more personal caring touch to the participants and ensure their living spaces and daily lives were as fulfilled as we expect ours to be.

The goal of ‘Melissa’s Garden’ is to raise funds to better adorn the 30 group homes of MAB participants with beautiful gardens, flowers, herbs, and even interior/exterior improvements.

This year’s home will be focused on a home at 286 Edenfield Drive in Watertown, MA. The home and its residents are in need of an upgrade to their garden and its amenities including outdoor furniture, grill, and overall maintenance.

On Sunday, June 2nd the residents of Edenfield along with supporters and friends alike will gather for a barbecue to celebrate the new space and provide a preview of the joy it is sure to bring for years to come.

But we need your help! MAB is entirely state funded, so those dollars are typically allocated in a very regimented manor to essential services. Our goal is to continue this initiative each in the hope that it will evolve and grow to help support the Community for which Melissa cared so deeply.  You can make a donation here! 

Thank you so much for your consideration and support. We look forward to spreading Melissa’s care, joy and passion one home and garden at a time!  If you would like to come tot he event on June 2nd, you can RSVP here! 

Sincerely,

Christopher Anderson-Keim (Melissa’s brother)