The Graves Family Foundation
The Graves Family Foundation
Mission Statement
The Graves Family Foundation exists to strengthen families, enrich communities, and create opportunities that honor faith, integrity, and service. We are committed to fostering education, supporting health and well-being, and preserving traditions that inspire hope and resilience for generations to come. Through thoughtful giving and active engagement, we seek to make a lasting impact guided by compassion, stewardship, and a deep sense of responsibility to others.
The Heart Behind ELM
A Legacy of Giving
Jamile and Joyce Bourazak pictured with Danny Thomas, founder of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. ELM supports St. Jude to this very day.
The foundation of ELM is built on faith, family, and hard work. Those core principles were instilled in Lee C. Graves, ELM chairman and founder, and Jim Bourazak, ELM Utility Services CEO, by their parents Jamel and Joyce Bourazak.
In March 2023, the ELM Family lost Jamel and Joyce. Their presence will forever be missed through their wonderful qualities that live on through their family. They were known for their generous nature, quick wit, work ethic and strong commitment to their community.
Our leadership encourages team members to contribute back to the communities in which they reside. The below organizations are just some of the charities ELM supports.
Causes Supported
Jim Bourazak helped to found the St. Jude Motorcycle Ride to Memphis in 2005 which has continued for years.
Lee Graves has served as board president of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Peoria for over 20 years.
Lee and Judy have made numerous contributions to Creighton University including the freshman dorm that opened in 2023.
From the Center for American
Decoys to the Peoria Falcon Circle and now America 250 celebration, the Graves/Bourazak family has a long-standing tradition of supporting Peoria Riverfront Museum.
Other Causes
With a $5,000 check, the Bourazal family supported t. Jude Before the hospital was even built. The Graves family has continued this support.
ELM made a significant
contribution to build Peoria Zoo’s
Zambezi River Lodge.
