REF Helps Family Recover After Fire

A hospital staff member and her family lost everything they owned, including their dog, in a fire. They required immediate assistance replacing medicine and supplements that were medically necessary for maintaining their health after undergoing previous surgeries. The River Ellis Foundation...

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We Love Our Corporate Supporters!

“If the past year has taught us anything, it’s that life is wrought with unexpected hardships. Over the past months, we have witnessed unimaginable tragedies and adversities globally, nationally and even within our own Hampton Roads community. What a comfort it is to know that in such uncertain...

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Celebrate Your Birthday With Us!

The power of social media is amazing! We’ve raised thousands of dollars through birthday fundraisers on Facebook the past year. It’s something that is so simple, but deeply impactful. If you have a birthday coming up and you’re interested in “donating your birthday”...

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WTKR 3 Coast Live Interview

Check out our Coast Live interview as part of the One Hour Cares Competition! https://www.wtkr.com/coast-live/a-local-nonprofit-helping-those-facing-unexpected-hardships-on-coast-live?fbclid=IwAR3Int-hicrgjxKI1Vl4ugJ5hLNzVfgu-yN60wM96WJ5OgdJfo4Kem2FcmI Remember to vote for us...

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Meet The Board: Doug and Rachel Ellis

Doug and Rachel Ellis co-founded The River Ellis Foundation in 2018 when their daughter, River, passed away. Along with the Foundation, Doug is involved in a range of different community organizations. He is Past President/Current Board Member of the Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue...

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Meet The Board: Blair Fine

When approached by Doug and Rachel about helping with the River Ellis Foundation, the answer was an easy ‘yes’ for Blair.  She helps out with development, and comes up with ideas on how to both fundraise and promote the organization.   Blair is a Virginia Beach native and has...

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Meet The Board: Annabelle Stiffler

Annabelle Stiffler focuses on helping to find funding for the River Ellis Foundation through a combination of Donor Gifts, Grants, and Public Engagement.  She has been involved with the Foundation since its beginning and has long been a friend of the Ellis Family.  In addition to REF, Annabelle is...

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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 forget that we’re all in...

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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 sense of such a tragedy. ...

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