In-N-Out Burger has announced the launch of its new nonprofit initiative, the His Eyes Foundation, aimed at addressing homelessness in the nine states where the popular restaurant chain operates. This initiative debuted with a fundraising campaign that invites customers to round up their purchases at In-N-Out locations throughout the month of November, coinciding with National Homelessness Awareness Month. The company has pledged to match contributions three-to-one, up to a total of $300,000.
The foundation was established by In-N-Out owner and president Lynsi Snyder-Ellingson and her husband, Sean Ellingson, in memory of Sean’s brother, Evan Ellingson. Evan, an actor known for his role as Kyle on the television series “CSI: Miami,” tragically passed away in 2023 at the age of 35 from an accidental fentanyl overdose in Fontana, California, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
In a joint statement, Lynsi and Sean expressed their vision for the foundation, saying, “The His Eyes Foundation was born from the precious life of Sean’s brother and our beloved family member who strongly believed in the value of every human being, that every life deserves a chance, and every soul deserves to be seen.” They emphasized their commitment to bringing hope, dignity, and essential resources to those experiencing homelessness, stating that their mission goes beyond mere aid to encompass respect and humanity.
Evan Ellingson’s belief that individuals facing homelessness should be viewed through “God’s Eyes” serves as a guiding principle for the foundation. The His Eyes Foundation aims to cultivate “faith-based hope” while providing emergency relief, housing solutions, employment programs, and advocacy efforts.
Continuing a Legacy of Philanthropy
His Eyes Foundation marks the third philanthropic endeavor supported by In-N-Out Burger. The original In-N-Out Burger Foundation, founded in 1984 by Esther and Rich Snyder, Lynsi’s grandmother and uncle, focuses on combating child abuse and neglect. Following that, the Slave 2 Nothing foundation was established in 2016 by Lynsi and Sean to address issues of substance abuse and human trafficking, raising substantial funds through various fundraisers.
In October, a charity rock show at the Hollywood Palladium raised funds for the Slave 2 Nothing initiative, featuring In-N-Out’s “family band” as the opening act for headliner Papa Roach. Additionally, a car cruise event scheduled for January 17, 2024, in Redondo Beach will support efforts against human trafficking. Similar to Slave 2 Nothing, the His Eyes Foundation will ensure that 100% of donations are allocated to organizations actively working within communities served by In-N-Out.
Currently, In-N-Out Burger operates restaurants in California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Texas, Colorado, Oregon, and Washington, with plans to expand into Tennessee soon, where they are establishing an eastern hub. The company’s headquarters is in Irvine, California, but they have announced plans to relocate back to Baldwin Park, where the chain was originally founded in 1948.
For more information about the His Eyes Foundation and to contribute, visit their website at hiseyesfoundation.org.