As this year’s honorees at Fleisher Art Memorial’s Founder’s Celebration, Ellie and Jeff Marrazzo bring a deeply personal perspective to their work expanding creative opportunity for young people in Philadelphia. Through the Marrazzo Family Foundation, they are helping ensure that access to the arts is not a privilege, but a possibility for all. 

 

What inspired the founding of the Marrazzo Family Foundation, and what values guide your giving? 

When we first began discussing the mission of our Foundation, we found common ground in a shared belief: early exposure to creative education had a profound impact on both of our lives. Our own experiences have shown us how access to creative opportunities builds confidence, fosters connection, and critical thinking. 

Humility. Partnership. Curiosity. Disruption.
These are the values that guide our giving. 

What drew you to support Fleisher Art Memorial? 

We were drawn to Fleisher because of its deep commitment to recognizing and nurturing the creative spirit in each of us. Fleisher combines a rich history with a highly relevant mission—the belief that creative opportunity should not be limited by circumstance. 

Fleisher creates a welcoming space where people can explore their creativity and feel part of a larger community. 

Why do you believe access to the arts is important, especially in communities like Philadelphia? 

We believe that creativity drives progress. As technology reshapes education, work, and communication, the ability to think creatively—to adapt, imagine, and solve problems in new ways—is becoming increasingly critical. At the same time, access to arts education remains uneven, particularly in urban communities like ours. 

Access to the arts is important because it helps people express themselves, process their world, and connect with others. Philadelphia can and should be a trailblazing urban comunity that elevates creativity as a force to reimagine the world. 

What does it mean to you to be honored at Fleisher’s 36th Annual Founder’s Celebration? 

We are humbled to be recognized by Fleisher, an organization with such a long history and impact. We see it as collective conviction that creative experiences can open doors that extend far beyond the arts. 

 

Join Us 

Celebrate Ellie and Jeff—and support Fleisher’s mission to keep art accessible for all—at the 36th Annual Founder’s Celebration on May 8. 

Buy tickets today: https://fleisher.org/support/founders_award/