Honoring A Legacy

Grit, generosity, and community.

The Tommy Ellis Memorial Foundation carries forward Tommy's vision — empowering student athletes, supporting local teams, and lifting up families in need across our community.

Built on tough love and blue-collar grit

Inspired by Tommy's belief in hard work and the power of showing up, we fund programs that build character, foster opportunity, and make a meaningful difference where it's needed most.

$1500
Grit Awards Given

525 lbs
Food Donated

5+
Families Helped

144
Golfers Last year

Our Mission

Built on tough love and blue-collar grit

The Tommy Ellis Memorial Foundation is dedicated to celebrating & continuing the legacy of a man who embodied loyalty, dedication and hard work and who made a profound impact on every life he touched. Inspired by his belief of tough-love and the power of blue collar grit. We aim to empower individuals to realize their potential and embrace their remarkable presence. We are committed to using our resources to fund, support and develop programs that build character, foster opportunities and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most.

Student Athletes

Annual Grit Awards recognizing seniors who exemplify perseverance, mental toughness, and unwavering effort on and off the field.

Local Teams

Direct support for sports programs, uniforms, and off-season training — keeping young athletes engaged and growing.

Families in Need

Holiday assistance, food drives, and emergency support for families in our community facing tough times.

2nd Annual Golf Tournament

Monday, June 15th @ Rock Manor Golf Course in Wilmington, DE

Another year and another great successful SOLD OUT tournament! Thank you to everyone for your help, donations, sponsorships & registrations. We are looking forward to nest year already!

Save the Date - Monday June 21st, 2027: same place, same time

Here is our recap video of the day. Thank you to Shawn Fisher of Shawn Fisher Productions
nfo@shawnfisherproductions.com

Our Team

Meet Our Board Members

Stephanie Ellis

President & Co-Founder

John Holefelder

Vice President & Co-Founder

Tasha Holefleder

Secretary & Co-Founder

BJ Barlow

Board Member

Maria Bartholetti

Board Member

Chris Tate

Board Member

Ernie Ellis

Board Member

Jan Bellace

Board Member

Nick Nawn

Board Member

Giving Back

Our Impact in the Community

Every even, every donation, every hour - it all goes back to those who need it most

2026 Grit Award Winners

Three deserving seniors received a $500 award to support their next chapter:

Ryder Strickland - Sun Valley Football
RJ Scharrer - Sun Valley Wrestling
Paxton Hunt & Nate Messano - Blacksheep Wrestling Club

Three other outstanding local Wrestlers received the Grit Award

Aston AA Wrestling
- Novice Wrestler, Athan Blake
- Advanced Wrestler, Coast Watson
- Northley Middle School Wrestler, Cole Sicilano

This award recognizes a student athlete who exemplifies relentless determination, perseverance, and mental toughness. It honors the athletes who pushes through adversity, works tirelessly to improve, and inspires teammates through unwavering effort and resilience

2026 Community Help

Sun Valley High School Girls Soccer - help with off season clinic costs
Ridley Youth Field Hockey - Received TWO brand new goalie cages
Brookhaven Swim Club - Sponsor
Aston AA Football - Sponssor
Sun Valley Football Touchdown Club - Sponsor
West Chester University Wrestling Club - Event Sponsor
Arty Erle Memorial Cornhole Tournament Sponsor
Provided assistance for family to cheer on their athlete at a national tournament
Student Athlete mission trip sponsor
Donated 43 backpacks to local Back to School Supply drive