Our Story
We learned firsthand that tragedy doesn’t discriminate when our daughter, River, died at just two days old in September of 2018. Our world came crashing down around us as we found ourselves in the middle of every parent’s worst nightmare: instead of taking River home from the hospital to begin our lives together, we would be faced with the unthinkable task of planning her funeral.
Our Mission
Sh*t happens to good people and hardship doesn’t discriminate. Individuals in our own community are faced with tragedies and unimaginable adversity every single day. We want to be there for those people: the ones who’ve found themselves in the middle of something they couldn’t have prepared for. Those who don’t quite fit into a box, but need some support to get through the adversity they’re facing.
How You Can Help
There are several ways you can help The River Ellis Foundation and give a sunrise to someone in the Hampton Roads Community. We’d love for you to get involved!
Read some of our sunrise stories:
After Mother Died During Childbirth, REF Provided Essential Baby Items
After a local woman passed away during childbirth, the baby faced the possibility of entering foster care due to the father's absence. The sister-in-law assumed custody to care for the newborn. REF provided essential items to help care for the baby.
Supporting A Local Family After Fire
A mother and her three kids lost everything in a fire and were forced to stay on friends' couches. When they found a new home, REF covered the deposit to help them move in quickly.
REF Helps Homeless Man After Cancer Diagnosis
After a tumor was identified, a homeless man was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and given a poor prognosis. With no shelter beds available for the weekend, REF provided a hotel stay until emergency shelter placement became available.
Make A Donation
Help make a difference in the lives of those in our community who need it the most. Every dollar counts!