Front row: Gregg Malool Russell, Founder and Public Awareness; Lindy Ellison Russell, President and Director

Back row (L-R): Eleanor Lightsey-O'Key , Recording Secretary; Leila J. Nelson, Hospital Liaison; Nancy Kelly, Hospitality Families; Nancy Conder, Gift Certificates; Dayle Rado Thomas, Hero Admissions; Blanche T. Sullivan , Publicity and Marketing

Not pictured:Edward Forrest, Treasurer; C. Denison "Hutch" Hutchinson, Birdies for Charity, Hero House Manager;
Mark Brenneman , Fundraising

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.

With a strong Hilton Head Island Board of Directors made up of local business people and the support of several 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.