"At Hilton Head Heroes we are making a difference...
one child, one family, one week at a time...."
Lindy Ellison Russell, President & Director

Our mission at Hilton Head Heroes is to bring families with children between the ages of four and eighteen suffering from life threatening illnesses to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina for a resort

vacation. Children are referred to our program through doctors, healthcare providers and hospital administrators. The families are housed in the Hilton Head Island HERO house located in Sea Pines Resort. (click here to view photos!) They are given gift certificates to local restaurants, grocery stores as well as island amenities. Founded in 1998 by longtime island resident and family entertainer Gregg Russell and his wife Lindy, Hilton Head Heroes was born out of a desire to help very ill children and their entire family enjoy a vacation that would not be ordinarily possible.

"...we are in the business of helping children
gracefully become angels, while unselfish acts of love
and kindness help everyday people become Heroes.
I am so grateful for being in the presence of both...."
Gregg M. Russell, Founder & Public Awareness

With a strong Hilton Head Island Board of Directors made up of local business people and the support of serveral high profile Honorary Board Members such as Corey Pavin of the PGA tour, Jim Nantz of CBS Sports and former Wimbledon Champion Stan Smith, Hilton Head Heroes has been fortunate to receive donations and support from many individuals and corporations.

For the past decade they have touched the lives of families and children with life's most wonderful forces….the power of compassion, hope, love and acceptance.

They reflect how a group of people coming together to ease the burdens of others and offer respite and renewal can profoundly impact individuals in unparalleled ways.

Families are the tapestry of life…the weaving together of hearts and love that serve as a bond unbreakable in life and beyond. They selflessly serve to strengthen the bonds of family one child at a time and to give unto others without expectation, but with a selflessness uncommonly found.

Their name reflects who they become in the lives of those they touch…heroes in every sense of the word.

Their ability to lead families to laughter and love when it matters most is their gift to others and their legacy to all.

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On behalf of the Board of Directors of Hilton Head Heroes, we would like to thank the Chamber of Commerce for recently honoring our program as the 2009 Organization of the Year. We know that there are dozens of other wonderful organizations that have an amazing impact on our community that could have been honored this year, but we are especially grateful to have been chosen. This award is proudly shared by all of our Board members, both present and past, who have faithfully guided this program for over ten years. It also recognizes a plethora of local businesses and volunteers for their heartwarming generosity and critical support. But mostly, it honors the hundreds of families who have made our incredible island their home for a week...in many cases, saying goodbye to one of their brave young children against the beautiful backdrop of sunsets, playful dolphins, quiet bike rides and beach walks..feeling safe and welcomed by the loving embrace of a very special caring and giving community. Our mission is to "help create memories that will last a lifetime". We will personally cherish the memory of being honored with this award forever.

Gregg & Lindy Russell
Co-Founders
Hilton Head Heroes