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!
Make a Donation
Help make a difference in the lives of those in our community who need it the most. Every dollar counts!
Nominate Someone
Do you know someone in the community who have recently faced an unexpected hardship and could use some extra support? Nominate them today!
Read latest news from our blog:
REF Helps Woman Cover Funeral Costs After Losing Her Father And Her Son To COVID-19
In the period of one month, a Virginia Beach woman lost her father and her son due to COVID-19. She found herself unable to afford a funeral for her son so soon after her father passed away. The River Ellis Foundation helped cover the funeral costs so she could hold a...
REF Purchases Supplies to Help Doctors Explain Leg Amputation to Child
A 6 year old boy arrived at CHKD with what was first believed to be a foot infection. However, it turned out that he required leg amputation below his knee. The River Ellis Foundation purchased books and an amputee stuffed teddy bear to help the CHKD Child Life...
Join Us For Give Local 757!
The Give Local 757 Initiative is a program created by the Peninsula Community Foundation to spark and grow local philanthropy. Every year, the second Tuesday in May serves as the region's 24 hour giving day called Give Local 757. Since its inception, the giving day...
Make A Donation
Help make a difference in the lives of those in our community who need it the most. Every dollar counts!
Get Involved
Are you looking to get involved in giving back to your community? We have many volunteer opportunities and events throughout the year. If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer, please complete the form on the volunteer page.