The Melanie A. Chianese Foundation & Scholarship

Hello everyone. My name is Cheryl Chianese-Cavalli. My daughter Melanie Chianese was brutally murdered in our home by my ex-boyfriend, Paul Senecal, on May 29, 2022. I had an order of protection against this man and he was arrested many times for stalking and violating my order of protection. Out of fear for her own safety, Melanie applied for an order of protection and was denied.

At the time of Melanie's murder, Mr. Senecal was wearing an electronic ankle monitor while awaiting sentencing for numerous violations of my order of protection. At the time of Melanie's untimely death, she left behind a 3-year-old little boy with autism. She was his advocate, and he was her world.

Since my daughter's death, we have planted a garden, helped a single mother who is going through the nursing program at DCC, and I have advocated and worked with our local politicians and a bipartisan bill was created called Melanie's Law. Melanie's law will feel a dangerous loophold and allow any member in the victim's household to be added to an order of protection regardless of age or relationship. Melanie's law passed the Senate unanimously and is awaiting passage from the assembly.

I've also been in contact with our sheriff and he is going to work on dedicating their new domestic violence unit in memory of all those who have been affected by domestic violence and include a picture of Melanie in the dedication.

I'm asking the community to help me start a foundation and scholarship in memory of Melanie. We want to start the Melanie.A. Chianese foundation which will be a 501c3 non-profit organization to help survivors and those affected by domestic violence build a better version of themselves and live an independent life without depending on their abuser.

Melanie's Memorial scholarship will be with Dutchess Community College. We have met with them and in order to start her scholarship, we need $5,000 down and once we reach $15,000, her scholarship will be forever.

All funds collected will go into an account, and once we reach each goal, we will disperse the funds to start the Melanie A. Chianese 501c3 Foundation and The Melanie A. Chianese Memorial scholarship at Dutchess Community College

It takes a village, and I am lucky enough to live in a wonderful community who has supported me every step of the way.

Any amount donated would be a step closer making this become a reality. Please share this fundraiser and help spread the word so we can start advocating and helping those who are trapped and living in a world of abuse.

I want to thank you all for restoring my faith in the world and in humanity. For updates on current events and the status of Melanie's law, Please join our Facebook group, Justice for Melanie Chianese. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Cheryl Chianese-Cavalli