Our Origin Story
From the
What started as a casual afternoon gathering among friends has evolved into a powerhouse of philanthropic momentum.
Every dollar raised on that porch has been tracked, celebrated, and deployed to create real-world change. What began as two neighbors saying "we should have a giant party!" has turned into $165,000 raised.
We believe that fundraising shouldn't feel like a chore or a generic obligation. It should be an event — a movement that people actually want to be a part of.
'Down to Fundraise' is more than a slogan; it's our operational manual. It means stripping away the corporate stiffness of traditional charity and replacing it with raw, authentic community engagement.
"If the vibe is right, the money follows."
Our first event. Small. But the energy was undeniable. We knew we had found a formula for connection.
We kicked things off with Ellie's Hats and never looked back.
In memory of Kyle, Sherry, and Joe Sr. — deeply loved and dearly missed.
Jon showed up for Kyle. We showed up for his foundation.
Back to Ellie's Hats. Right where we started.
Ellie's Hats. Let's make it the biggest one yet.
Check out this clip from our 2024 event — why we started, who we do it for, and why it still matters.
Ellie's Hats started small, just like us. One man named Jay Coakley wanted to lift the spirits of a young girl named Ellie who was battling cancer. He began sending fun, colorful hats to kids like her.
Over time, Ellie's Hats grew into something powerful. They now send care packages to children with cancer all over the country and provide direct financial help to families in need.
Jay isn't just the founder — he's a friend. And we've seen the impact of his work firsthand. Every dollar we raise makes a real difference for families going through the toughest time of their lives.
You could fill out the form. Or just text us. Either works — we're not formal people.
