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:
REF Helps Mother and Son After Strokes
A mother and adult son, living together, both had strokes in the same month. With limited income and mounting bills, REF stepped in to cover rent and help them stay on track during their recoveries.
REF Helps Homeless Teen
After being abandoned by his mother, a 17-year-old student was left homeless. His best friend’s family took him in, despite their own financial strain. He arrived with nothing—sharing everything from clothes to toiletries. REF stepped in to provide the essentials:...
Helping To Rebuild After Fire
After a fire destroyed his bedroom, a local high schooler was left with nowhere to sleep or do his homework. The River Ellis Foundation provided a new bed, bedding, desk and chair to help him rebuild his space.
Make A Donation
Help make a difference in the lives of those in our community who need it the most. Every dollar counts!