SPOTLIGHT
Butch Ellis Foundation turns attention
to domestic violence, bullying
About Us
The Butch Ellis Foundation
is a non-for-profit charitable
organization with a 501 (c)3
status. Honoring the late Gary
“Butch” Ellis.
Mission Statement
The Butch Ellis Foundation
is dedicated to providing
assistance and ample support
to youth, driven by a hardworking family, inspired by an
extraordinary gentleman.”
In early 2011, a family friend
was in a tragic car accident that
left him paralyzed from the
neck down. Knowing that the
family had mounting medical
bills, Butch wanted to organize
a cornhole tournament to raise
money for the family. He
approached his family about
putting together a benefit to
help those
in need. Unfortunately, Butch
passed away on March 29, 2011
and never got the opportunity to
see the event take place.
The Ellis family wanted to
fulfill Butch’s wishes and worked
to put the event together in his
honor. The Inaugural Butch
Ellis Charity event ended up
raising $1000 for that family in
need. They decided they wanted
to make this an annual event
after seeing the success they
could have. In 2012, they raised
$2500 for the American Heart
Association and 2013’s benefit
raised $4000 for the Cancer
Association of Shelby County.
They set out to make 2014
the biggest year yet. They
established the Butch Ellis
Foundation as a non-for-profit
501c3 and set out to have
multiple events every year.
The 4th Annual Charity Event
grew from being just a cornhole
tournament to including kid’s
carnival like games, a horse shoe
tournament, and a dinner. That
year they raised $12,000 for the
Horizon House Homeless Day
Shelter in Indianapolis. They
also kicked off their “Christmas
Giveback Program” in 2014
and provided 22 kids with a
chamberchatter
November 2016
History of the Butch Ellis
Foundation
Gary “Butch” Ellis was a
larger than life personality that
left a mark on anyone who came
in contact with him during his 74
years of life. He was constantly
putting others first and would
do anything for anyone in need.
His brother Jeff Ellis was quoted
as saying, “Butch never had
anything because he was always
giving what he had away to those
in need”. The truth is Butch had
more than anyone! He lived life
to the fullest, always put his
family first, and lived to serve
God and others.
Christmas they will never forget.
In 2015, they saw the Butch
Ellis Foundation reach new
heights as it wanted to welcome
Rupert’s Kids to their new
home in Shelby County. They
worked with Survivor star Rupert
Boneham to empower youth to
beat addiction, get out of the
system, and become productive
members of society. Their efforts
raised $13,000 for Rupert’s Kids
“Empowerment Program” in
Shelby County! The Butch Ellis
Foundation was also able to
provide Christmas to 45 kids in
2015.
In 2016, they want to turn their
attention to domestic violence
and bullying. Chris “Lights Out”
Lytle made a career out of
combat in the Ultimate Fighting
Championship for a decade. He
has now turned his attention to
combating domestic violence
and bullying in Central Indiana.
The Chris Lytle Foundation
sets out to encourage, educate
and empower everyone in their
path so that they too can be a
fighter to speak up and stand up
for themselves and others.
That is exactly why the Butch
Ellis Foundation has chosen
them as beneficiary in 2016. Part
of 2016’s efforts will also be
donated to the Morristown Boys
& Girls Club.
Help a family honor a man,
give back, serving others,
and living life to the fullest
by supporting the Butch Ellis
Foundation today!
BUTCH ELLIS
FOUNDATION
P.O. Box 26
Morristown