St. Louis Children’s Hospital Foundation recently received a gift of $5,000 from the Scott’s Pay It Forward Fund (SPIFF) to support families of children with cancer who are in need of financial help as they battle this dreaded disease.
Even though Scott Ellis lost his own personal battle with cancer in 2009, his family, friends and community has not given up the fight. Mike and Durinda Ellis, Scott’s parents, are extremely excited to announce this first distribution to Children’s Hospital. “The purpose of SPIFF is to preserve the spirit of Scott’s desire to “pay forward” all the support he experienced in his fight against cancer and to somehow make a difference in the lives of others fighting the battle for their own lives. On behalf of Lindsey Ellis, Amanda (Ellis) Washburn, and the awesome SPIFF Committee, we want everyone in the community to know how extremely appreciative we are of your willingness to support our efforts to give back in Scott’s name,” said Mike Ellis.
According to Flip Becker, St. Louis Children’s Hospital Foundation, “It takes a tremendous effort to face the trials encountered when a family member is confronted with cancer. In many cases, a little financial help here and there can make all the difference in a good day and a bad day for families. Because of this gift, many families will feel the comfort of Scott’s legacy.”
Upcoming fundraising events for the Scott’s Pay It Forward Fund include a Rummage Sale on March 31st and the 2012 SPIFF Golf Outing and 5k Run on June 15 and 16. The SPIFF fund is managed by the Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation and contributions to the fund are tax deductible.
Additional information regarding the Scott’s Pay It Forward Fund can be obtained by contacting Mike and Durinda Ellis at (217) 276-2515 or Joedy Hightower, President/CEO, Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation, at (217) 342-4988.
