Tropic — Bob and Sandy Ellis of Las Vegas have brought their philanthropy to Southern Utah. They have made a substantial donation to Bryce Valley Elementary.
Bob and Sandy made their living owning Southern Nevada Auto Parts (S.N.A.P.) and SNAP Towing along with B&E Auto Auction in Las Vegas. Several years ago, they sold the businesses and their commercial property, giving them the opportunity to live worry-free for the rest of their lives and then some. But they had a different idea. They wished to give away their wealth to schools across Nevada.
Clark County School District in Las Vegas has even named an elementary school for them. See https://www.robertandsandyellis.org/.
They began purchasing shoes for all the students in one school in 2004. That grew, within a year, to include 8-10 schools. The next year the generosity swelled to over a dozen schools and included toys at Christmas. It grew further to include schools from across Nevada clear to the Nevada/Idaho border.
Pay It Forward
The students and parents at the Ellis school have paid forward the idea by raising money and purchasing shoes for every student at another area school. The Ellis school is in a school district that doesn’t qualify as Title I. The students decided to mimic the Ellises by doing something for a school less fortunate than their school.
Bob and Sandy have also recruited an army of Nevada political powerhouse celebrities: Their list of current and former “elves” includes the Nevada governor, at least two mayors, a few county commissioners, two U.S. District Court judges and a mass of “regular folk” who donate time to see this generosity spread.
This year Mr. Ellis called Bryce Valley Elementary and Kanab Elementary and offered to send up gifts for each of the two schools.
The couple, married for 58 years, love what they do and will continue doing it as long as they are able. Their reward? Besides the best award in seeing children smile and knowing they are helping out kids, a plate of fudge and an occasional “thank you” card are treasures to them.
Bryce Valley Elementary is honored to be a recipient of their goodness and kindness. Thank you Bob and Sandy!
– by C. Pete Peterson, Principal, Bryce Valley Elementary
Feature image caption: Bob and Sandy Ellis.
Read more about local schools in Character Education Program Serves Wayne School District.