REF Covers School Tuition For Six Year Old After Losing Mother
When a Chesapeake mother passed away suddenly and unexpectedly in her sleep, her six year old son went to live with his grandparents. With very limited income, the grandparents required immediate, short-term assistance to cover the costs of caring for their grandson....
We’re In This Together, The Sun Will Rise Again
In these difficult and uncertain times, we just wanted to take a moment to say that we are with you. There are a lot of people in need of a sunrise right now, so remember to check in on your friends, neighbors and family. The need may be closer than you think. Don't...
Donor Spotlight: Gibby Hall
Name: Gibby Hall Job Title/Company: Realtor, Howard Hanna Real Estate Services City: Coastal Virginia How did you first hear about The River Ellis Foundation? When River Ellis passed, I was beyond devastated for my friends. It is impossible to make...
River Ellis Foundation Supports Family Enduring Another Tragedy
After celebrating their one year anniversary in 2013, a young husband experienced a spinal cord injury resulting in paraplegia. The primary caretaker since the injury occurred, his wife suffered a stroke in December 2019 that left her in the ICU. The husband suddenly...
Recipient Testimonial: “I’m finally able to see a sunrise for the first time in a long time.”
As a single mother of two young girls, I found myself down on my luck a few months ago. I had just escaped a domestic violence situation that I had been in for years. I had moved to another state and had absolutely nothing, not even a vehicle to get myself and my...
What does it mean to Give A Sunrise?
To us, a sunrise symbolizes the hope that one needs after enduring a tragedy or unexpected hardship. Giving A Sunrise is providing an act of kindness. It’s giving support. It’s letting someone know they aren’t alone. It’s instilling hope for a brighter tomorrow. After...
Supporting a Local Teacher Through Tragedy
After being diagnosed with a dangerous pregnancy complication, a Virginia Beach teacher experienced the unthinkable when she suddenly required surgery to terminate her pregnancy due to the threat against her own health. This teacher found herself in the middle of a...
River Ellis Foundation Gives Car to Family in Need
A mother was forced to flee her home with her two young children due to ongoing domestic violence. Relocating to a new city, the mother and children moved in with her parents so she could save money for rent. Without a vehicle of her own, she required assistance...
#GiveASunrise for #GivingTuesday
On Tuesday, December 3rd, The River Ellis Foundation is proud to participate in #GivingTuesday: a global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and their world. But we don't want your money. Instead, we...
River Ellis Foundation Helps Virginia Beach Mother Find Sunrise
When her daughter began experiencing unexplained medical issues, a Virginia Beach single mother found herself in the midst of unexpected hardship. Over the course of a few weeks, her daughter lost her vision, lost use of her arms and legs, and began having...
Bay Colony Olympics Raises $40k For REF
On October 26th, the annual Bay Colony Olympics was held in Virginia Beach. Each year, teams raise money for a local charity to participate in this event. This year's recipient was The River Ellis Foundation. Participating teams create themes and dress up in elaborate...
REF Raises Over $200,000 Ahead of Official Launch
The River Ellis Foundation exceeded their initial fundraising goal after raising more than $200,000 for the foundation's kick-off event. On September 15th, more than 200 people arrived at the Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum to celebrate REF's Launch Party...