Eliza Hope Foundation

Eliza Hope Foundation The Eliza Hope Foundation's mission is to provide educational support for children and families who are living with Autism and other developmental delays.

The mission of the Eliza Hope Foundation is to provide educational support for children and families who are living with Autism Spectrum disorders in the Hampton Roads area. We intend to carry out this mission by establishing a preschool completely dedicated to providing the special services, teachers and equipment necessary to meet the unique learning needs of these children. Eliza’s Story
Eliza was a sweet, joyful and loving little girl. She loved popcorn and pinecones. She loved watching Frozen, Bubble Guppies and Mickey Mouse and she would listen to the song “Happy” all day long if she could. When Eliza was 16 months old she had her first seizure and after months of doctors’ appointments and neurology tests, she was diagnosed with intractable Epilepsy and Autism Spectrum Disorder at 2 years old. We soon learned that finding a place where Eliza could learn and grow would be an overwhelming task. Out of dozens of local preschools, the majority could not accommodate Eliza’s needs. After months of searching and hours of frustration, we were finally fortunate enough to find two schools that Eliza was able to attend and worked for our family. We want to honor Eliza’s life by helping families who have similar struggles. The best part of the day was watching Eliza wearing her backpack, happily walking to class alongside her teacher. Every child deserves that chance and every parent should be able to experience that moment. This is the wish we hope to fulfill through the Eliza Hope Foundation.

11/22/2025

What a wonderful day it was at the Eliza Hope Gala! 💗✨

To everyone who attended, bid, donated, and shared your love, THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts. Your generosity continues to make a life-changing difference for children and families, and we are endlessly grateful for this community that shows up year after year.

It’s hard to believe we just celebrated Year 9. Because of you, Eliza’s light keeps shining brighter than ever. Her name is spoken more times in a day than Aimee & Aaron could ever imagine. And more families with autism have the support they deserve.

Get ready… because Year 10 is going to be bigger, bolder, and more magical than anything we’ve done yet! 🎉💫
Keep sharing, keep showing up, and keep helping us honor sweet Eliza’s legacy.

With so much gratitude,
The Eliza Hope Team 💕

Happy Gala Day! 🎉🍾✨Last night, little Hattie curled up before bed and read her big sister Aimee’s Popcorn and Pinecones....
11/21/2025

Happy Gala Day! 🎉🍾✨

Last night, little Hattie curled up before bed and read her big sister Aimee’s Popcorn and Pinecones. A story she loves because it reminds her of the love and magic that helped shape her own family’s journey. And tonight… this brave, tender-hearted girl will stand on our gala stage to honor her big sister, Emerson, one of the very FIRST EH kiddos back in 2018.🥰

From the moment the center opened its doors, Emerson has grown, learned, and flourished here. And now, watching Hattie step on our stage to speak for her sister, to share her love, her pride, and her tiny but powerful voice is a full-circle moment that reminds us why this mission matters so deeply. It’s impossible not to feel the weight of it…the beauty of a sister’s love guiding us all.🥹💞

We are forever grateful to be part of a community that gives children like Emerson a place to grow, and families like theirs a place to breathe and belong. Thank you to every sponsor, bidder, donor, and attendee for making tonight possible. Your generosity changes lives and tonight, you’ll see it reflected in the eyes of a little girl who adores her big sister and believes the world should, too.🩷

Here’s to love, to hope, and to the quiet moments that take our breath away. ✨Happy Gala Day! 🎉🍾✨

11/20/2025

These are the EHF team’s favorite auction picks! 😍✨

From to , , and all the VB local eats we adore . There’s something for everyone.
What’s YOUR favorite auction item so far? 👀💛

He’s baaaaaaack!🎅🏼 ✨�Sensory Santa is returning for a magical, quiet, one-family-at-a-time visit just for you!�Join us D...
11/18/2025

He’s baaaaaaack!🎅🏼 ✨
�Sensory Santa is returning for a magical, quiet, one-family-at-a-time visit just for you!�Join us December 4th from 6–8pm for a sensory-friendly Santa experience. No lines, no crowds, just calm holiday joy. ❄️Sip hot chocolate, enjoy holiday treats with Santa’s elves, and relax in our cozy lobby while you wait for your turn. 🎄 Link in comments to RSVP! 💫

And… don’t miss our incredible LIVE AUCTION item 🎁 A full Santa-at-your-house HOLIDAY EXPERIENCE:�• 1 hour Santa visit 🏡�• Gorgeous photos by .hines 📸�• styling for mom + $300 gift card 💃�• Custom holiday cookie kit by 🍪�• Special thanks to Ed Greskowiak

Can’t come to the gala? No worries, email Aimee@elizahope.org to place an absentee bid!ent

11/17/2025

✨ The Eliza Hope Silent Auction is LIVE! ✨

Bidding is officially open now through Friday, closing out at our annual Hope Shines Gala! 🌟
There are SO many incredible items up for grabs, from local experiences to amazing gifts🎁 all generously donated by the incredible businesses who pour into our mission year after year. 💛 We’re so grateful!

You don’t have to attend the gala to bid… just click the link in our bio (and watch our stories all week!) to jump in. 🛍️💫

Tell us: what’s the first thing you’re bidding on?! 🎁🔥

11/14/2025

✨ Get ready… Eliza Hope’s Silent Auction goes live THIS Monday at noon! ✨

From local restaurants and gift cards to amazing experiences and boutique shopping, there’s something for everyone + anyone can bid from anywhere. 🙌
Every dollar supports our mission and makes a real impact for the families we serve.
Bidding closes Friday night at our Annual Gala… so set your reminders and get excited! 💛🧡

11/12/2025

💜 Her Light Still Leads Us 💜

9 years ago today, the world lost a beautiful little girl, Eliza Hope. What began as the darkest day of Aimee and Aaron Darby’s lives has become a source of light and healing for so many.💫

In 2017, the Eliza Hope Foundation opened its doors with a dream to help families like theirs. Families navigating autism, therapies, and the search for hope. We could have never imagined that seven years later, we would have served over 1,000 families, expanded to more than 12,000 square feet, and built a space overflowing with love, learning, and possibility.💞

EVERY SINGLE DAY, Eliza’s name is spoken with love. It’s worn proudly on t-shirts and hats, carried into classrooms, therapy sessions, and hearts. Her name has become a symbol of strength. A reason that families who once felt lost have found hope again. 💫

Today, on the anniversary of her passing, we cut the ribbon on our expansion. A living testament to what love can build, even after unimaginable loss. To everyone who has supported this mission, believed in our work, and helped Eliza’s light shine on, thank you. Her legacy is alive in every smile, every breakthrough, and every family that walks through our doors.

As we step into this new chapter, we can’t help but wonder, what more will her light inspire next? Whatever it brings, we know it will be filled with hope, love, and the magic of Eliza. 💜

11/10/2025

💙 Friday night with Wolcott Rivers Gates!

Their team donated over $6,000 to completely clear our Amazon wishlist AND THEN rolled up their sleeves for a night of service, helping us assemble and unpack all our brand-new equipment and supplies!🥰

We are beyond thankful for their generosity and hands-on support as we prepare for our grand expansion open house this Tuesday, November 11, from 10–11 AM. Come see the incredible progress your community made possible! 💫

🍷 Cheers to our amazing Eliza Hope volunteers!This weekend, they served with heart at the helping make an incredible ev...
11/10/2025

🍷 Cheers to our amazing Eliza Hope volunteers!

This weekend, they served with heart at the helping make an incredible event even more meaningful.

We’re so grateful for their continued support of our mission — serving children and families in our community affected by autism. 💙

11/07/2025

🎉 We can’t wait to see you on November 11 from 10–11 AM for the Open House celebrating the new expansion of the Eliza Hope Therapy Center!

We’re amazed by how this dream has come to life and so grateful for everyone who made it possible, our incredible community truly made this happen. 🌟

There’s no better way to celebrate Eliza’s heavenly birthday than by continuing her legacy of hope and healing. 💫

A huge shout-out to our sweet volunteer Drake, who has been hard at work delivering copies of Popcorn & Pinecones to eve...
11/05/2025

A huge shout-out to our sweet volunteer Drake, who has been hard at work delivering copies of Popcorn & Pinecones to every elementary and middle school in Virginia Beach! 📚💙

This special project has been made possible by the incredible generosity of the Jack & Anne Glenn Charitable Foundation, which donated funds in 2025 to support our .llc and help us share Eliza’s story while spreading autism awareness throughout our community. 💛✨

Drake, thank you for showing up with heart, kindness, and commitment. The ripple effect of your service is so meaningful. 🌱

Want your own copy of Popcorn & Pinecones?
Check the link in our bio to order today! 🧡🍿🌲

💪 Huge shoutout to and his incredible team ! They were absolute rockstars this morning clearing out our storage unit a...
11/02/2025

💪 Huge shoutout to and his incredible team ! They were absolute rockstars this morning clearing out our storage unit and moving some seriously heavy desks and a credenza into the new office space for the Eliza Hope Therapy Center expansion. We’re so grateful for their hard work and positive energy! 🙌

🌈 Join us on November 11th from 10:00–11:00 AM as we honor Eliza’s incredible legacy on her 9th Heavenly Birthday. Come see the beautiful new space created in her honor, enjoy light refreshments, and help us celebrate this next chapter together.

Everyone is welcome — bring your kids, invite your friends, and share in the love that continues to grow because of Eliza’s light. 💕

Address

629 Phoenix Drive, Ste 115
Virginia Beach, VA
23452

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