History and Background of the Elf Foundation

The Elf Foundation is a 501 c 3 non-profit charity formed in July 2001.  Our founder, Doug Weinstein, had experienced first-hand the anxiety of having a young niece diagnosed and treated for a rare form of cancer and the tedious nature of an extended stay in the hospital.  It was a simple leap from seeing the impact on his niece getting to enjoy a movie to the vision of an industry-wide initiative.

Elf co-founder, Carol Campbell, was instrumental in fleshing out the initial concept of Elf and bringing awareness to peers in the Consumer Electronics business, leading to the creation of Elf and our mission in utilizing the talents and products of an industry – targeting and directing them for sick kids who can always use a little bit of movie magic.  Initial seed money from Da-Lite, Dolby Laboratories,  SIM2, Stewart Filmscreen and THX Luscafilm was used to form the legal and accounting backbone of the Elf Foundation – and voila, the magic began!

Randy Wilson of Wilson Home Theater was the first volunteer dealer who was responsible for Elf’s first Room of Magic theater at Tiverton House in Los Angeles.

Corporate sponsors Yamaha, Runco International, Sonance and Lutron came on board to help underwrite Elf’s activities and contribute products for our Room of Magic theaters.  Electronic Systems Contractors and Audio-Video Retailers across the country signed on to provide the pro bono work needed to create these magical theaters – from design to installation, these generous contributors have been vital to Elf’s mission.

Various media – not necessarily limited to our industry – have played a role in furthering our message by contributing PSA ad space, editorial support and financial contributions.  In a joint effort indicative of Elf’s vision of industry cooperation, cgrafx, Inc of Santa Clara, Ca and Marketing Matters of Hollywood, FL have both provided pro bono assistance in the marketing, branding and public relations efforts on behalf of Elf. 

At-large advocates – Special Elves – have worked behind the scenes to continually advance the foundation’s efforts and rally others to get involved with Elf.

What an incredible mission we have!  Bringing a roomful of smiles and some much-needed relief to a tough environment – and if doing a good deed wasn’t enough, we get to work with the very best people our industry has to offer. 

Explore the world of Elf and if you can help out, we’ll put that money to good use.  To see a child’s face light up and a parent lay down their burden for a few hours – to witness a kid in a wheelchair kick back and enjoy an exciting cinematic experience – it really is magic!

We’ll see you at the movies!