TKO Helping HandsTurn Kindness On

The Ellens: TKO’s Founding Family

Mandy Ellen: Mandy was raised on the island of Maui, Hawaii by traditional Japanese American parents who taught her the importance of making philanthropy part of everyday life.  Growing up, she was inspired by stories of how her mom and dad helped people through difficult times in their lives. After high school, Mandy moved to the mainland and graduated from college with a degree in Marketing. From there, she went on to work as a flight attendant, as Marketing Director for Maui and Sons Beachwear, and as a cheerleader for the LA Rams and Raiders. She’s responsible for the creation of the first-ever crossover NFL/NBA Cheerleading Promotional Group, was chosen as Cheerleading Director for the World Football League’s Barcelona Dragons, and helped promote the WFL (World Football League)  throughout Europe. Today, this busy mom of five uses her “mom-prenuer” skills with TKO Helping Hands, getting children of all ages involved in Turning Kindness On!

Brett Ellen: Born in Oakland, California, Brett was raised by parents who served as incredible role models, teaching through example what it means to be a loving father and a dedicated husband. Today, Brett is the President & CEO of American Financial Network (AFN). Often regarded as a visionary leader in the financial services industry, Brett has been successfully providing financial planning solutions to clients for nearly 25 years. Throughout that time Brett has been actively involved in numerous community groups such as the Thousand Oaks/Westlake Village Chamber of Commerce, the Calabasas Chamber of Commerce, and the Orange County Business Forum, in addition to running the Financial Solutions Alliance. He has financially supported and been involved in many charities over the years, particularly those that benefit local schools and educational causes. He has also been a  contributor to Big Brothers/Big Sisters, the Wellness Community, The Medical Resource Foundation, The American Cancer Society, The American Diabetes Association, and the Muscular Dystrophy Association, who awarded him their Humanitarian of the Year Award in 2008.

Keanu Ellen: As a founding member of TKO, Keanu created the organization’s American Young Achiever Award, which recognizes children for their exceptional community involvement. In his young life, Keanu has been fortunate to have run the bases at Dodger Stadium, hung out on the field with the beautiful LA and Oakland Raiderettes, played on center court at the Home Depot Center as an exhibition for Maria Sharipova, and even shot around with Magic Johnson, Jerry West and Charles Barkley. At 11 years old, Keanu is already ambitious to live each day to the fullest. He’s had an article published in Kidz Magazine, won a college scholarship for the Kohl’s Kids Who Care Program, earned his black belt in Tang soo, and traveled around the world volunteering with TKO at the Arii Heiwa Rau Care Center in Moorea, the Rehema Orphanage in the Korogocho slums, and the Yayasan Bumi Sehat Birthing Center in Bali. With all of that, Keanu may seem old in experiences, but he’s still a kid at heart who loves meeting new people and doing exciting things.

Tristen Ellen: In addition to helping found TKO, Tristen is the creator of Brother Power, a pact and secret handshake between him and his brother Keanu. The chant is simple, “I’ve got your back, you’ve got my back…Brother Power,” but the message is a powerful one for the boys. They work hard to understand each others differences and they are the first to back each other up in a time of need. Tristen, also known as T-Time, is the family’s resident actor and already has a few commercials under his belt. Shy by nature, he is learning to conquer his fear with speech and acting classes. Tristen loves music, singing, and sports and he’s been lucky enough to ride dolphins, swim with sting rays, and feed killer sharks. At 9 years old, Tristen is already the first to open a door and pull out a chair for a lady. He kisses hands, picks flowers when he sees them, tells his mom that she’s beautiful and is as sensitive as they come. Like Keanu, he has been actively involved in local and international philanthropy since age 3 and is constantly thinking of different business ideas for the boys to launch with their friends.