Our mission is to Inspire Dreams and Honor Legacies. In memory of 15-year-old Ellen Salome and her heart donor, Dawn who left behind 3 children. Ellen's received her gift of life 19 days after she learned she was dying of severe heart failure, severe cardiomyopathy that was genetic but not identified until she was admitted into the cardiac intensive care unit at Nemours Children's Hospital when she was 9 years old.

Ellen lived for almost 6 years and was an inspirational teen who loved everyone, welcomed everyone and is doing more with her spirit now for us then we could have ever imagined without her.

The Ellen Salome Memorial Fund is intended to give to others to celebrate Ellen’s glorious spirit. Our celebration of life will impact persons of all ages. Our vision includes providing opportunities for community collaboration, volunteering, and mentoring students with ideas to give!

There is an importance to provide knowledge, support and kindness to those who have been impacted by pediatric heart disease, heart transplant and cardiac health. The Gift of Life is the most priceless present that can be received. A day does not pay that Ellen’s donor is not honored.

Yearly, we intend to reward a graduating senior who inspires us through their story of joy. Our first 2 awards of 1,000 was presented to two 2026 Henderson Highschool Graduating Seniors! We also high school teacher who inspired us to keep going and a local drama club two years in a row! We provide gifts to children over the holidays; we provide after school space and activities. We plan meet ups, dinners, and discussions for people to learn, grow and share with one another. We feel strongly to support the arts as Ellen has a passion for everything dramatic!

We choose to honor Ellen’s legacy with gifting joy. That means providing opportunities to teens through group meetings, gatherings, sponsorships, scholarships, competitions, camps and so much more. Sometimes, just a little help goes a long way! Our goal is to inspire dreams and honor legacies.

Your donation to our campaign will help us to build a Teen Loft for young people to share a safe space and engage in interests. Your donation will go to providing support to those who need it in our community. Gift cards for food, shelter, warmth. Supplies and equipment for the youth to comfortably engage with other local nonprofit organizations and neighboring schools.

We have 14 Student Leaders who are mature, motivated, engaged and have a purpose to make positive changes in our community!

You will not be disappointed in supporting the Ellen Salome Memorial Fund.

Thank you, Trish Salome Executive Director

Our Student Chairs 2026-27:

Chloe C. Student Board Representative

Autumn R. Chair of Finance

Eliza S. Chair of Fundraising

Sydney P. Chair of Communications and Marketing

Aashritha R. Chair of Sponsors and Donations

Allie P. Chair of Website Design

Nathan M. Chair of Community Relations

Eveyln S. Chair of Student Mentorship

Anna V. Chair of Supplies and Equipment

Becca B. Chair of Elementary Student Engagement

Quinn S. and Aayla C. Chair of Volunteers

Jyotsna, Chair of Dodgeball Tournament

Quinn S. Chair of Basketball Tournament

non-profit 501 c3 Tax ID: 33-4944809

Inspire Dreams and Honor Legacies ESM Fund