A philanthropic journey is personal and often begins with a simple conversation.
For Norfolk native Ellen Rostov Hundley, this journey has been a natural extension of the values instilled by her family and her commitment to community – all culminating in a legacy of giving.
Growing up, Hundley was surrounded by role models who demonstrated the importance of giving through their involvement in Jewish and civic organizations. “My parents never told me what to do. . .they showed me what to do,” she says. “They lived their values, and I absorbed them without even realizing it at the time.”
These lessons were carried by Hundley into her 30-plus-year career with Virginia Beach City Public Schools. There, she introduced students to community projects, nonprofit organizations, and charitable campaigns, instilling in them the importance of giving back. Decades later, Hundley still hears from former students who credit those experiences with shaping their values. “It’s incredibly moving when they share how those lessons are now part of their lives,” she says.
After her parents’ deaths, Hundley took on the role of a successor fund advisor for her grandparents’ Donor Advised Fund through Tidewater Jewish Foundation, continuing their legacy of supporting local organizations, their temple, and other causes they championed. The ease of working with TJF, learning the financial and tax benefits, and the peace of mind of knowing that her desires would be upheld, inspired Hundley to establish her own legacy gifts and endowed fund. This work became even more personal after the tragic loss of her nephew, Joe. Hundley partnered with TJF to create The Joseph Charles Rostov JCC Camp Scholarship Fund, which helps youth attend the JCC camp Joe cherished.
“Joe found so much happiness and belonging at camp,” says Hundley. “This fund ensures that his joy and connection live on for others to experience.”
While the process was emotionally challenging, Hundley found comfort in TJF’s support. “Naomi (Limor Sedek) and her team made everything easy and comforting,” Hundley says. “They met me where I was and patiently guided me through each step, making a difficult conversation feel natural and impactful.” Going through the process allowed not only Hundley but also her sister, Jane Rostov, and eventually Joe’s parents, Jane and Rob Rostov, to honor Joe’s memory in a meaningful way.
“Creating the fund was therapeutic in a way, not only for me but for Joe’s parents, who will partner in the fund,” Hundley says. “It allowed our entire family to celebrate Joe’s life with purpose.”
“Ellen’s story highlights how deeply personal philanthropy can inspire broader impact,” says Naomi Limor Sedek, TJF’s president and CEO. “Her partnership with TJF and bringing her family together in philanthropy is building a stronger community and setting an example for others to follow.”
“Starting a fund doesn’t require hundreds of thousands of dollars — it begins with a conversation,” Hundley says. “For many of us, the gift we create won’t be realized until we’re gone, but planning today is how we secure tomorrow.”
Ellen Rostov Hundley: Giving, learning, and legacy
