TKO Helping HandsTurn Kindness On

The Beginning of TKO

In a world where there are so many ways to help others, it is overwhelming for parents to decipher all of their options. There are many different avenues in which to explore philanthropy. As a child I was exposed to the act of giving very early in my life. There were no fancy black tie fundraisers where large donations were requested, nor were there non profit organizations recruiting the well intended on my tiny island of Maui, Hawaii. In fact, I didn’t know what philanthropy was back then, I just knew how my parents lived in service of others and I have learned to mirror their actions. That is why I believe so strongly in setting an example for my children through my own deeds and intentions.

My parents offered help to many. In the 70s, I vividly remember having at least 20 people camping out in front of our home. These gentle hippies chanted songs late into the night. The still waters and beautiful reef that bordered our home was the perfect respite for our accidental, but welcomed guests. My mother would feed these “guests” and even take some of the homeless in and clean them up.  Because my mother had a career in real estate, she was able to offer numerous odd jobs to those that needed.  She told me that “if you do something kind for another,the same will be offered to your children.” This invaluable lesson has taught me that the cycle does in fact continue to prosper.

I have been blessed in many ways, but I would never be able to continually think of how to help others without my husbands love and support. He lives each day and each moment with no regrets. He wakes at 3:30 am to get a workout in so that he can be home by 6 am to spend the morning with myself and our children. He manages to volunteer in our children’s classes, coach their teams, spend time with friends, and he continually amazes me with how he finds time to get involved at numerous charity events. My husband, Brett S. Ellen, created his success with his attitude and continuous hard work. Brett and I believe that though we assist others financially, it is also important to give of our time and continually teach our children to do the same. Our entire family was so proud when Brett was named the Humanitarian of the Year for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.  He continues to live his life as a great role model for us all and is a big part of the inspiration and energy behind TKO Helping Hands.

Thank you so much for joining us on our journey,

Mandy Ellen, Founder