In 2006, Melissa Reed Chudy, development director for the Amherst Youth Foundation, had a vision of opening an Amherst coffeehouse where local youth could come together in a safe, fun and friendly environment.
In March of that year, Chudy made that vision a reality.
'Melissa dedicated her life to youth,' said Molly Dever of AmeriCorps Vista for the Amherst Youth Foundation. 'She helped acquire the Old Hutchinson House Company building in Williamsville, and she took part of the building and worked with Starbucks and a group of teens to start a coffeehouse.'
Shortly after opening the coffeehouse, Chudy lost her 18-month battle with breast cancer.
Although her physical presence is gone, her drive, enthusiasm and vivacious spirit live on through the coffeehouse and the community that she served.
As a testament to the tireless hours the director devoted to local youth, the Amherst Youth Board decided to rename the coffeehouse in Melissa's honor.
'This is kind of like Melissa's baby,' Dever said. 'She had a lot of energy and dedication towards [this project].'
To encourage the memory of Chudy and awareness for breast cancer, the Amherst Youth Foundation, in partnership with the Breast Cancer Network of Western New York, is holding its first Walk for Melissa Fundraiser on Sunday from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Boulevard Mall.
Half of the proceeds will go to Melissa's Coffeehouse and half will be donated to the Breast Cancer Network of Western New York in Melissa's name.
'The BCWNY is a really awesome organization. All the money donated will stay local, so it's not a big chain or anything,' Dever said. '[The organization] provides a lot of resources and there's a lot of support groups and activities that the women can participate in.'
Facilities that The Amherst Youth Foundation provides benefit both parents and teens, Dever said.
'[The youth center and the coffeehouse] are great ways for them to socialize with friends outside of school, and it's free for them,' Dever said. '[The facilities] are also great for the parents, too, because they can drop their kids off for three hours and know where they are and what they are doing … so there's also that safety aspect.'
The coffeehouse serves as a safe haven for youths who are looking to make new friends, sing karaoke, make arts and crafts, and showcase their musical talent during events like band and middle school nights.
Although Dever did not know Chudy personally, she identifies with her unrelenting need to give back and her passion for serving others and continually works to keep Chudy's vision alive and well.
'I didn't personally know her, but I've taken every opportunity to learn more about Melissa,' Dever said. 'She had this really vibrant personality and was really a hard worker.'
Roseanne McCarthy, a staff member of The Amherst Youth Board, was a friend and co-worker of Chudy, and continues to admire her unique ability to inspire those around her.
'Melissa was a whirlwind of energy and activity,' McCarthy said. 'There are not a lot of people who have that charisma to get people excited about something you are passionate about, and that passion still lives on.'
Despite Chudy's unfortunate circumstances, McCarthy never felt despair. Chudy remained optimistic for the future, and it is for this reason that The Amherst Youth Board has adopted her motto as words to live by.
'She always said, ‘If you can visualize it, dream it, and see it, then you can achieve it,' McCarthy said. '[Melissa] never did a whole lot of complaining. She knew there was always going to be a better tomorrow.'
E-mail: features@ubspectrum.com
