Making a Greater Ellis

 On April 21, 2011, Dennis “Denny” Schoenthaler and his wife, Ginger, came to the Foundation office and told about a dream Denny had for his community. Denny wanted a walking trail that would be somewhere other than in the middle of the street, that would be open to the community and be able to be used at any time by anyone. 

On November, 2011. The first Annual Dennis Schoenthaler Memorial Walk/Run was held and raised over

$200 to support the trail.

Since the trail did not reach full completion, a Spring FHSU Leadership Studies Team was sought. The Spring team has continued work on the trail and promoting healthier lifestyles for the Ellis community members.

In order to spread Denny’s healthy lifestyle, the Spring FHSU Team held a Health Fair in conjunction with the Trego Co. Hospital and Ellis Family Care Center. Many visitors learned various ways to take small steps toward healthier living.

The Walking Trail was completed in 2012.

In December 2016, the Foundation launched the "Giving Back to Ellis" campaign, aimed at enhancing the Ellis Municipal Pool with a new double slide. The campaign's goal was to raise $50,000 to cover the cost of the slide, including the necessary components, electrical work, concrete, expanded fencing, and water pumps. This project marked the beginning of a dedicated effort to improve recreational opportunities for the youth of our community, ensuring a fun and safe environment for generations to come. Thanks to the generous support of donors, the campaign was instrumental in making this exciting addition a reality in June of 2017.

 The Born Learning Trail is a one-of-a-kind educational experience designed to engage children in active learning outdoors. Featuring a series of directional signs, the trail encourages families to be active while raising awareness about the importance of early childhood education. Each sign along the trail promotes fun, interactive learning activities that captivate young minds in ways that are both exciting and age-appropriate. The trail was created through a partnership between Women Who Lead of Hays, The Teget Foundation of Hays, and the Community Foundation of Ellis, with installation completed in the summer of 2023. This unique initiative offers children a dynamic space to explore, learn, and grow while fostering a love for learning in the great outdoors.

 The Foundation played a pivotal role in expanding the capacity of the Ellis Food Boxes and Pantry by purchasing and renovating a larger facility at 210 Madison Street. This initiative allowed the pantry to better meet the growing needs of the community. In 2016, a ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the official opening of the new location, which has since become an even more vital resource for families in need, providing enhanced support to those facing food insecurity.

The Ellis Alliance serves as both a storefront and an umbrella organization that brings together the Community Foundation of Ellis, the Ellis Chamber of Commerce, and the Ellis Development Corporation. By sharing resources and collaborating, these organizations work together to support the growth and success of Ellis.

Thanks to the efforts of the Community Foundation of Ellis, the Alliance was able to remodel and create a dedicated office space for its operations in 2006. Additionally, the building features a public meeting room that is available for rent, providing a flexible space for both business and personal use. This collaborative hub enhances the ability of local organizations to serve the community while fostering a strong sense of connection and partnership.

This program was created to provide essential food assistance to students during the summer months when school is not in session. Each month, students who sign up receive a bag of non-perishable foods at the open pantry, ensuring they have enough to sustain them throughout the month. Fully funded by the Foundation, this initiative serves local students ages 2 to 18, helping to bridge the gap and ensure that every child has access to the nutrition they need to thrive. Through this ongoing effort, the Foundation continues to support the well-being of our community’s youth year-round..

 With the generous support of Rich's IGA, the Community Foundation of Ellis was able to provide a tree for every child attending local schools. This thoughtful initiative not only encouraged environmental stewardship but also gave each student a tangible connection to the community and nature.