JA 18 Under 18 2025
ELLIOTT VILLAVASO
Elliott believes that no family, even those facing tough times, should ever miss out on the joy of owning a pet. The sixth grader at St. Joseph Fullerton school created his own nonprofit, Elliott’s Ark, in 2021 to help individuals and families in financial distress to hold onto their beloved pets. He does this by providing food to local food pantries and arranging for pets to be fostered when families face hardships. Through Elliott’s Ark, he has organized dog and cat food collections for local food pantries, encouraged veterinarians to donate their time to assist with wellness visits and vaccines, and every December he supports pet adoption at the holidays. During the last holiday season, Elliott helped 75 pets find their forever homes.
“Elliott’s understanding of the joy and companionship that pets bring to people of all ages and situations is truly inspiring.”
—Kerry Onorato, nominator