About
The Turn Kindness On Mission
Turn Kindness On motivates children of all ages to change their world through volunteering, harnessing their uniquely empathetic energy and empowering them to build a lifelong relationship with community service.
TKO (originally named TKO Helping Hands) was founded in 2001 with the goal of awakening a child’s passion for giving at an early age. At TKO, we know that the best way to teach our children about the power of service is to engage them in meaningful projects within the community.
As the world changes, it’s easy to become isolated from each other and forget that each of us is connected in our humanity. TKO aims to teach children that the elements that make us all similar are far more important than those that divide us.
Our Beginnings
In a world where there are so many ways to help others, it is overwhelming for parents to decipher all of their options. There are many different avenues in which to explore philanthropy. As a child I was exposed to the act of giving very early in my life. There were no fancy black tie fundraisers where large donations were requested, nor were there non profit organizations recruiting the well intended on my tiny island of Maui, Hawaii. In fact, I didn’t know what philanthropy was back then, I just knew how my parents lived in service of others and I have learned to mirror their actions. That is why I believe so strongly in setting an example for my children through my own deeds and intentions.
My parents offered help to many. In the 70s, I vividly remember having at least 20 people camping out in front of our home. These gentle hippies chanted songs late into the night. The still waters and beautiful reef that bordered our home was the perfect respite for our accidental, but welcomed guests. My mother would feed these “guests” and even take some of the homeless in and clean them up. Because my mother had a career in real estate, she was able to offer numerous odd jobs to those that needed. She told me that “if you do something kind for another,the same will be offered to your children.” This invaluable lesson has taught me that the cycle does in fact continue to prosper.
I have been blessed in many ways, but I would never be able to continually think of how to help others without my husbands love and support. He lives each day and each moment with no regrets. He wakes at 3:30 am to get a workout in so that he can be home by 6 am to spend the morning with myself and our children. He manages to volunteer in our children’s classes, coach their teams, spend time with friends, and he continually amazes me with how he finds time to get involved at numerous charity events. My husband, Brett S. Ellen, created his success with his attitude and continuous hard work. Brett and I believe that though we assist others financially, it is also important to give of our time and continually teach our children to do the same. Our entire family was so proud when Brett was named the Humanitarian of the Year for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. He continues to live his life as a great role model for us all and is a big part of the inspiration and energy behind TKO Helping Hands.
Thank you so much for joining us on our journey,
Mandy Ellen, Founder
The Ellens: TKO’s Founding Family
Mandy Ellen: Mandy was raised on the island of Maui, Hawaii by traditional Japanese American parents who taught her the importance of making philanthropy part of everyday life. Growing up, she was inspired by stories of how her mom and dad helped people through difficult times in their lives. After high school, Mandy moved to the mainland and graduated from college with a degree in Marketing. From there, she went on to work as a flight attendant, as Marketing Director for Maui and Sons Beachwear, and as a cheerleader for the LA Rams and Raiders. She’s responsible for the creation of the first-ever crossover NFL/NBA Cheerleading Promotional Group, was chosen as Cheerleading Director for the World Football League’s Barcelona Dragons, and helped promote the WFL (World Football League) throughout Europe. Today, this busy mom of five uses her “mom-prenuer” skills with TKO, getting children of all ages involved in Turning Kindness On! [Email Mandy at mandy@turnkindnesson.org]
Brett Ellen: Born in Oakland, California, Brett was raised by parents who served as incredible role models, teaching through example what it means to be a loving father and a dedicated husband. Today, Brett is the President & CEO of American Financial Network (AFN). Often regarded as a visionary leader in the financial services industry, Brett has been successfully providing financial planning solutions to clients for nearly 25 years. Throughout that time Brett has been actively involved in numerous community groups such as the Thousand Oaks/Westlake Village Chamber of Commerce, the Calabasas Chamber of Commerce, and the Orange County Business Forum, in addition to running the Financial Solutions Alliance. He has financially supported and been involved in many charities over the years, particularly those that benefit local schools and educational causes. As the Kids Finance Coach, Brett also donates his time speaking at schools across the country, teaching kids about being financially fit. In 2008, he was awarded the Humanitarian of the Year award by the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and in 2010 he was honored with the Mentoring Excellent Award by Invest in Others in New York City. [Email Brett at brett@turnkindnesson.org]
Keanu Ellen: As a founding member of TKO, Keanu created the organization’s American Young Achiever Award, which recognizes children for their exceptional community involvement. In his young life, Keanu has been fortunate to have run the bases at Dodger Stadium, hung out on the field with the beautiful LA and Oakland Raiderettes, played on center court at the Home Depot Center as an exhibition for Maria Sharipova, and even shot around with Magic Johnson, Jerry West and Charles Barkley. At 13 years old, Keanu is already ambitious to live each day to the fullest. He’s had an article published in Kidz Magazine, won a college scholarship for the Kohl’s Kids Who Care Program, earned his black belt in Tang soo, and traveled around the world volunteering with TKO at the Arii Heiwa Rau Care Center in Moorea, the Rehema Orphanage in the Korogocho slums, and the Yayasan Bumi Sehat Birthing Center in Bali. With all of that, Keanu may seem old in experiences, but he’s still a kid at heart who loves meeting new people and doing exciting things. [Email Keanu at keanu@turnkindnesson.org]
Tristen Ellen: In addition to helping found TKO, Tristen is the creator of Brother Power, a pact and secret handshake between him and his brother Keanu. The chant is simple, “I’ve got your back, you’ve got my back…Brother Power,” but the message is a powerful one for the boys. They work hard to understand each others differences and they are the first to back each other up in a time of need. Tristen, also known as T-Time, is the family’s resident actor and already has a few commercials under his belt. Shy by nature, he is learning to conquer his fear with speech and acting classes. Tristen loves music, singing, and sports and he’s been lucky enough to ride dolphins, swim with sting rays, and feed killer sharks. At 11 years old, Tristen is already the first to open a door and pull out a chair for a lady. He kisses hands, picks flowers when he sees them, tells his mom that she’s beautiful and is as sensitive as they come. Like Keanu, he has been actively involved in local and international philanthropy since age 3 and is constantly thinking of different business ideas for the boys to launch with their friends. [Email Tristen at tristen@turnkindnesson.org]
