About Ellie's Elves
Who We Are
Ellie's Elves is a nonprofit agency that has served the local community since 2013.
Our organization was founded in memory of Princess Ellie Blaine, whose smile lit up a room and now her spirit continues to light the way. Ellie bravely battled pediatric cancer. The inpiring journey of this 2-year-old Virginia native moved us to help our community & families needing support and through our efforts her legacy lives on! To read more about Ellie’s courageous journey and to learn how she inspired thousands all over the world, check out Ellie’s Story.
Ellie’s Elves, founded by Joni Kanazawa, a breast cancer survivor, provides courage and a unique sense of empowerment to those individuals impacted by unforeseen circumstances as well as shining light during their darkest moments. We focus on assisting families facing cancer and other illnesses, support through clothing and food for foster care families and helping hand for families who have suffered traumatic life events like house fires. When a new “need” arises, they work with the ever growing Ellie’s Elves community to step up and provide for those individuals and families.
To read more about Joni Kanazawa’s battle with cancer, check out Joni’s Story.
Ellie's Elves is a nonprofit agency that has served the local community since 2013.
Our organization was founded in memory of Princess Ellie Blaine, whose smile lit up a room and now her spirit continues to light the way. Ellie bravely battled pediatric cancer. The inpiring journey of this 2-year-old Virginia native moved us to help our community & families needing support and through our efforts her legacy lives on! To read more about Ellie’s courageous journey and to learn how she inspired thousands all over the world, check out Ellie’s Story.
Ellie’s Elves, founded by Joni Kanazawa, a breast cancer survivor, provides courage and a unique sense of empowerment to those individuals impacted by unforeseen circumstances as well as shining light during their darkest moments. We focus on assisting families facing cancer and other illnesses, support through clothing and food for foster care families and helping hand for families who have suffered traumatic life events like house fires. When a new “need” arises, they work with the ever growing Ellie’s Elves community to step up and provide for those individuals and families.
To read more about Joni Kanazawa’s battle with cancer, check out Joni’s Story.
Our Approach
Our Mission
Our mission is to offer support and encouragement to local families during times of crisis.
Ellie’s Elves is composed of like minded individuals with different talents and big hearts that rally together to make the impossible seem possible. Instead of offering a few services, we provide the family in crisis with whatever they need.
Our Events
The sole purpose of our fundraising efforts is to be able to meet the needs of our community.
Ellie’s Elves have several events planned throughout the year, but events are added as various needs arise. We would not be able to make a difference without the support of our event sponsors, countless volunteers, donors, and ambassadors.
Our event sponsors
Light By The Numbers
Our numbers speak more about the dedication and resilience of our Elf Volunteers, because without them, none of this would be possible. And with them, we are able to spread light much farther to make a much brighter impact.
Light By The Numbers
Our numbers speak more about the dedication and resilience of our Elf Volunteers, because without them, none of this would be possible. And with them, we are able to spread light much farther to make a much brighter impact.
Our Leaders
Board Members have a tremendous responsibility. Often times their dedication alone inspires others.
Board Members have a tremendous responsibility. They are stewards of all aspects of Ellie’s Elves: management, finances, and quality; set strategic direction, build community relationships; establish ethical standards, values, and compliance; and more importantly it is their example that sets the tone for the volunteers.
Board Members
Ellie’s Elves’ Board is composed of community leaders throughout the area that exemplify all of the qualities of great leaders. Their backgrounds are as diverse as the value each one of them provides to Ellie’s Elves and its volunteers. Meeting frequently, they discuss strategic issues and determine the best allocation of limited resources. When a new “need” arises, they work with the ever growing Ellie’s Elves community to step up and provide for those individuals and families. Through the board and its volunteers, Ellie’s Elves provides courage and a unique sense of empowerment to those individuals impacted by unforeseen circumstances as well as shining light during their darkest moments. Ellie’s Elves’ Board has shown their leadership and generosity by volunteering their time and numerous talents to shine their light on our community, one local at a time!
Joni Kanazawa
Founder/Director
She has been involved in the organization since early in the founding. Read More >>
Josette Smith
Board Treasurer
She has been involved in the organization since early in the founding. Read More >>
Jessica Donelson
board Secretary
She has been involved in the organization since early in the founding. Read More >>
David Carpenter
Board Member
She has been involved in the organization since early in the founding. Read More >>
Cassaundrea Drews
board member
She has been involved in the organization since early in the founding. Read More >>
Jennifer Hernandez
board member
She has been involved in the organization since early in the founding. Read More >>
Minnie Lighter
Board Member
She has been involved in the organization since early in the founding. Read More >>
Lee Peters
board member
She has been involved in the organization since early in the founding. Read More >>
Melissa Reedy
Board Member
She has been involved in the organization since early in the founding. Read More >>
Richard Renninger
board member
She has been involved in the organization since early in the founding. Read More >>
Tina Renninger
Board Member
She has been involved in the organization since early in the founding. Read More >>
Windsor Kanazawa
youth volunteer coordinator
She has been involved in the organization since early in the founding. Read More >>
Kathleen Shafer
Board Member
She has been involved in the organization since early in the founding. Read More >>
Jessica Donelson
Board Member
She has been involved in the organization since early in the founding. Read More >>
No Vacant Positions
board Secretary
She has been involved in the organization since early in the founding. Read More >>