In-N-Out Burger has announced the launch of the His Eyes Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting homelessness across the nine states where the fast-food chain operates. The foundation’s inaugural fundraising campaign takes place this month, inviting customers to round up their purchases at In-N-Out locations to support the cause. The company will match contributions three-to-one, up to a total of $300,000.
November is recognized as National Homelessness Awareness Month, making this launch particularly timely. The His Eyes Foundation was established by In-N-Out owner and president Lynsi Snyder-Ellingson along with her husband, Sean Ellingson, in honor of Sean’s late brother, Evan Ellingson. Evan, who gained recognition for his role as Kyle on the television series “CSI: Miami,” passed away at the age of 35 due to an accidental fentanyl overdose in Fontana, California, in 2023.
In a joint statement, Lynsi and Sean expressed their commitment to the foundation’s mission, stating, “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 that the foundation is not only about providing aid but also about offering respect and dignity to those experiencing homelessness.
The His Eyes Foundation seeks to inspire “faith-based hope” while pursuing goals such as emergency relief, housing solutions, employment programs, and advocacy. According to the foundation’s website, Evan Ellingson believed in viewing those experiencing homelessness through “God’s Eyes,” a perspective that will guide the foundation’s initiatives.
Continuing In-N-Out’s Philanthropic Efforts
The His Eyes Foundation marks the third philanthropic effort supported by In-N-Out Burger. The original In-N-Out Burger Foundation was established in 1984 by Esther Snyder and Rich Snyder, Lynsi’s grandmother and uncle, to address child abuse and neglect. In 2016, the company launched Slave 2 Nothing, aimed at combating substance abuse and human trafficking. This initiative has raised significant funds annually through various events, maintaining In-N-Out’s reputation as a committed community partner.
In October, a rock show at the Hollywood Palladium raised funds for the Slave 2 Nothing initiative, featuring In-N-Out’s “family band” opening for the headline act, Papa Roach. A car cruise event scheduled for January 17, 2024, in Redondo Beach will similarly raise funds to combat human trafficking.
Both the His Eyes Foundation and Slave 2 Nothing will ensure that 100% of donations go directly to organizations working on the ground in the communities served by In-N-Out. The chain currently operates in California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Texas, Colorado, Oregon, and Washington, with plans to expand into Tennessee, where it is establishing an eastern hub.
In-N-Out Burger’s headquarters are located in Irvine, California, but the company has announced its intention to relocate back to Baldwin Park, where the first restaurant was founded in 1948.
For more information about the His Eyes Foundation and how to contribute, visit their website at hiseyesfoundation.org or explore In-N-Out’s philanthropic initiatives at in-n-out.com/foundations.
