Ellie grew up in beautiful Fish Creek, WI, a community that supported her and helped shape who she was to become — a lover of the outdoors, animals, kids and the elderly. She believed in touching the lives of everyone she met, no matter how small that touch was. This wasn’t something she did; it was something she lived.
On September 29, 2017, Ellie lost her life suddenly and tragically in an ATV accident. At that moment the world lost an amazing young woman.
While her family knew she had impacted their lives, they had no idea just how many lives Ellie’s caring spirit touched and how profoundly others were impacted by her presence. It was not until after her death that they saw just how far and wide Ellie’s light had shone, and how many had benefitted from her helping hand – one that pulled them up or led them to the dance floor.
Ellie made sure no one felt alone. She was always reaching out to connect with others, both young and old. This is why her family decided that her legacy should live on, not only in their actions, but in this Foundation.
There have been so many tributes to and stories about Ellie since she left us. One touching tribute spoke of keeping the best parts of those who leave us living on by modeling those traits. This foundation will enable Ellie’s gift of caring for and supporting those in need to continue long past her remarkable life and untimely death.
In a world full of things that can get one down, lights like Ellie’s were there to lift up those around her. Let’s keep that light shining by…giving with a heart.
