<div><strong>September 2026 Update:</strong>
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<div>Here is the latest news on Steve and Melanie. Unfortunately Steve is down to one Open Mic night held once a month, and an occasional open mic that pops up here and there. Needless to say, this is not helping in the financial department.
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<div>Outside of a financial contribution, if you're a Space Coast local and you know of a venue that might be interested in hosting an open mic, you could pass that info to Steve directly. 
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<div>Melanie is unable to work and is still mostly confined to home. Steve is still her sole caretaker. Every little bit helps and is very much appreciated. 
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<div>Thank you for your kindness. 
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<div><strong>AUGUST 2026 UPDATE:</strong>
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<div>Hello!! I wanted to share good news. Steve has picked up more work. He's got a new weekly open mic night at Grounds and Grapes in Cocoa Beach, some semi-regular open mics at the VFW in Cape Canaveral. And he's starting a new open mic in Titusville. So this is bringing in some income. As we all know - every little bit helps.
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<div>Your donations also help and I can't tell you how much they have meant, and helped thus far. I intend to keep this GoFundMe active as extra needs are still present. Steve has one working vehicle and the air conditioner has been out for months. I honestly don't know the cost of a repair like that but perhaps, one of might know a mechanic??
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<div>Melanie continues to recover slowly and is getting stronger but remains homebound.
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<div><strong>THANK YOU FOR YOUR KINDNESS AND GENEROSITY!</strong>
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<div>May 2026 Update:
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<div>Hi. It is Tina Eno. I started this account six months ago. I appreciate all of the donations thus far as do Steve and Melanie. It has helped them, and it continues to help.
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<div>Melanie is still home and Steve is still her primary caretaker. Steve is working his open mics but lost a weekly gig due to business slowing down as summer ensues. That means he's down to one open mic. He's been shopping to replace that gig - in fact several of us in the musical community have been trying to help find a replacement venue. I trust that will happen soon.
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<div>But even when that gig comes, income is limited, so every little bit raised here is a huge help. It goes straight to Steve and it is well utilized for daily living expenses. So thank you, thank you.
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<div>Original story:
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<div>I'm Tina Eno and I'm reaching out to our community and beyond to seek financial assistance for Steve Hodak and his partner, Melanie Vaughn. Mel has suffered a stroke. She is recovering at home now and Steve is her fulltime caregiver.
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<div>The financial assistance being sought is to help with medical expenses after insurance, home repairs and updates required for a wheelchair and daily care, and general expenses incurred by these life changes. Steve plans to keep his weekly and bi-weekly open mic gigs, but income is limited.
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</div><img alt="" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/96711925_1763694869133181_r." width="100%" />
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<div>Any and all contributions, of any size, are loved and appreciated. You can also help by spreading the word to raise funds. All funds raised (less platform fees) go straight to Steve.
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<div>Melanie is an extremely private person. At this time, it is best to NOT call, NOT email, and NOT send messages on Facebook directly to her. The best thing any of us can offer right now, is donating to them through this fundraising campaign until their lives settle in a bit and she's had more time in her recovery.
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<div>Steve and Melanie have supported our musical community for many years. Through their open mic nights, they've created a welcoming space where friendship and community form. Steve and Melanie are a fierce team as Open Mic host and hostess. She'll put you on the list (or not!) and Steve will make you sound great. But that's not all. Steve streams every Open Mic giving all of us video to use for promotion. And he takes dozens of photos of all artists who perform at his events. Then he selects the best pics, edits them, and shares them with us and his audience. Steve and Melanie are a one-stop artist promotion shop. Melanie assists with photography and adds harmony vocals. She's right there adjusting mic stands and making sure everyone is comfortable. Their impact in our community is tough to measure.
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<div>Outside of their Open Mics, Steve is a respected and revered songwriter on the Space Coast. If you're a songwriter around here, you probably know Steve and chances are, he's encouraged your songwriting. We all have our own favorite Steve Hodak song. I know I do. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@SteveHodak" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Here's a link to his YouTube</a> if you haven't listened in a while.
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<div>I hate seeing my friends going through difficulty, especially when I know that a lot of people would love to help. Collectively, I know we can make an impact and ease some of their burden.
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<div>Thank you. Be grateful for each day.
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Walter Hoffmann

Ray Frye

Maria Regeci

Sharon Osuna

Anonymous

Tom Ferrara

John Ferguson

Mary Connor

Linn Wallace

Matthew Waldeck

Madison Walter

Diana Ambrose

Jessie Salk

Robert Freeman

HENRY NOYES

Heather Elko

Please Donate to Steve & Melanie's Stroke Recovery Fund

Please Donate to Steve & Melanie's Stroke Recovery Fund

Still $3,675 to go. Help us build momentum.