Donor Spotlight: Tom and Sue Ellison

If you’ve ever had a conversation with Tom and Sue Ellison, it won’t take long to quickly learn how important philanthropy and empowering others is to them. Through their work at the Ellison Foundation, Tom and Sue have left an imprint all over Seattle. And now, they are making an incredible impact on south Seattle at Cristo Rey Jesuit Seattle with a grant of $1 million dollars. 

At the Ellison Foundation, their vision is to improve the lives of others with the hope to create a framework for strategic, active, and thoughtful giving for future generations. Tom and Sue established the Foundation in 2003 to actively support nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, and individuals dedicated to empowering the lives of others. 

Cristo Rey Jesuit Seattle High School (CRJS) delivers a career-focused education in the Jesuit tradition for students with limited economic resources, uniquely integrating rigorous academic curricula with four years of professional work experience and support to and through college. Students, taught the power of hard work and initiative, will be given a chance to flourish as scholars and citizens, ultimately breaking the cycle of poverty while strengthening the pathway to a college degree. Data shows that postsecondary education correlates with greater lifelong earning potential. The connection between education and access to opportunity is undeniable. 

Inspired by the program, the Ellison Foundation is partnering with CRJS to help provide funding to build an academic facility to accommodate the 400+ students who will enroll by 2027.

The capital campaign funds will be used to purchase property and build a state-of-the-art two-story 19,000+ square foot building. It will provide modern, state-of-the-art functional educational spaces for students and teachers. 

“We are thrilled that Tom and Sue share our vision and enthusiasm for the future of CRJS and what we can do for the deserving youth in Seattle!” said Bob Ratliffe, who serves on the CRJS Board of Directors and is co-chairing the capital campaign. 

Bob Hurlbut, the Foundation’s Director, said “The foundation’s mission is to support nonprofit organizations who create sustainable benefits for the people they serve. In evaluating CRJS prior to the grant, there was alignment in mission and culture, in particular with the Corporate Work study program and post-secondary emphasis.” 

Low-income and marginalized youth face enormous obstacles in transcending poverty without postsecondary academic (B.A. or A.A.) or certification success. CRJS will be the only high school in Seattle that provides underserved students with high-quality academics coupled with four years of professional work experience. We are profoundly grateful to have Tom and Sue as partners in this mission.

For more information on this project, contact Sarah Dahleen.