Chris Ellis Scholarship

06/18/2026

$26,639! That's the scholarship as of today. In case you missed it, these were Danielle's words early this week: When Chris died, a scholarship was something that I very much wanted because it’s something that would outlive us. I couldn’t fathom pursuing it after our community, friends, family, and perfect strangers helped us tremendously in those 27 months. I had zero level of comfort asking for anything more.
When two of my very best friends asked for our blessing to pursue a scholarship in his name, it was the easiest yes I’d ever granted. All they asked of me in return was that I share their posts on Facebook.
I can’t thank enough our community, friends, family, my Hauser family, perfect strangers, and whoever this anonymous matching donor is for making this happen. Because of all of you, almost 10 years later, he has a legacy that will long outlive us.
And, once again, we are grateful beyond words. Thank you for creating his legacy that will benefit future Bulldogs just like Chris 💙💙. I’m not crying.

06/16/2026

$10,000 match unlocked! Chris is grinning and dancing from heaven. Donations still welcome as every dollar continues to ensure the scholarship’s endowment.

06/16/2026

Ozzie Guillen stepped up to the plate for Chris during his toughest inning. Now, we’re in the bottom of the 9th, and we need your help to bring this home! We are less than $500 away from crushing our $10,000 matching gift challenge! Let’s cross the plate, win the challenge, and keep Chris's legacy shining bright. Every dollar counts—help us score the final run! 🏆⚾

$20 = $40, $100 = $200, etc. Tax deductible donations via Zelle to [email protected]

06/14/2026

Blue was Chris's favorite color, and clearly, he and Maria took that dedication very seriously! 😉

Almost 10 years after losing Chris to neuroblastoma, Maria is channeling that bond into a biochemistry degree to research cancer cures.

We are so close to unlocking a $10,000 matching grant for a scholarship in his honor—we just need $1,057 to reach the goal! Every dollar gets doubled. Let's get this done for Chris!

06/12/2026

We are SO close to $10,000! Just $1,300 away from hitting our goal to permanently endow Chris's Memorial Scholarship through the Kiwanis Club of LaGrange.

Because of your unmatched generosity over the last few days, a student in our community will receive a $1,000 scholarship in Chris's name every single year, forever. What a beautiful testament to the power of a community's love.

Let's cross the finish line! Can you spare $10, $25, or $100 to seal this legacy? Can you share the story? Remember, every dollar is still being doubled by our anonymous donor!

Give here to double your impact: Zelle to [email protected] or mail a check to 917 Cleveland, Hinsdale IL 60521

06/10/2026

Just like Chris’s tree in Yena Park has grown so has the scholarship! Only $2,155 left to reach the matching gift which will ensure it’s endowed. Zelle to [email protected] or mail a check to 917 Cleveland, Hinsdale IL 60521. All donations are tax deductible.

06/08/2026

Chris was given honorary bulldog status by RBHS student association with Maria by his side 10 years ago. Now this scholarship offers a way for his name to continue on at RB. Only $3,055 more needed to meet the full $10,000 match! Who can you share the story with today?

06/05/2026

An additional $845 came in overnight! $4,155 to goal!

06/04/2026

🎉 WE ARE HALFWAY THERE! 🎉

In just one week since announcing our $10,000 matching grant challenge, you all have absolutely responded and shared the story. Thanks to your incredible generosity, we have officially hit the $5,000 mark!

Because of the match, that $5,000 is already worth $10,000 in impact. But we aren't done yet, and we need your help to cross the finish line.

Every single dollar you give right now is DOUBLED.

💵 Give $10 ➡️ It becomes $20

💵 Give $50 ➡️ It becomes $100

We have $5,000 left to raise to unlock the full match and secure a total of $20,000 which will endow the scholarship. Let’s keep this amazing momentum going! Giving info in comments.

06/02/2026

in one day the scholarship jumped to $3,500 toward the $10,000 goal! Thank you for donating and spreading the word!

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