OUR CORE
ACX Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit organization. 100% of every dollar goes directly into a project. There are NO ADMINISTRATION COSTS OR FEES – EVER! Our 501c3 documentation is on file. If you would like a copy of our financial records, please contact us.
Dedicated to helping those less fortunate, ACX Foundation was founded by Jim Virrilli, a professional linebacker-turned-chief engineer who assembled a team with a determined will to help enrich people’s lives.
The organization is based on The ACX Code, The ACX Culture, The ACX Way. From within these standards we maintain the composition that is our culture – our values becoming the invulnerable glue that binds us.
We invite you to examine The ACX Constitution and encourage you to adopt it as your own for your endeavors.
From within these standards we maintain the composition that is our culture – our values becoming the invulnerable glue that binds us – trust. Trust in the code. Trust in the truth. Trust in ourselves. Trust in each other.
We believe and affirm, “they who say they can,” are correct.
The Golden Rule – “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
Driving Motivation
Our efforts are not borne from sympathy, but rather a simple desire to fulfill a promise to ourselves in extending a helping hand on the way to restoring hope. Our approach is one of action, of empowerment for the recipients, of our efforts as well as ourselves.
We believe the world offers opportunities to create extraordinary things with the quintessential element for all endeavors – a purpose. Extraordinary things that the majority have convinced themselves impossible. We challenge parochial thinking and the fatigued structure of the status quo. We believe through focused resolve, passion and creativity – any solution may be discovered, any challenge can be conquered. We invite you to come with us on this rewarding journey in creating solutions for the restoration of hope and the revival of purpose.
ACX FOUNDATION STORY
ACX Foundation President Jim Virrilli and Chris Scott met by happenstance in the building they both called home. Jim stepped onto the elevator and kept the door open so Chris could back his motorized chair into the car. While the elevator rose to their respective floors, Jim realized Chris was controlling his chair with an advanced interface using just his head. Jim thought, “Wow that is some cool technology.” As is Jim’s want, he clearly expressed his opinion to Chris.
Chris introduced himself by asking if Jim was in the military, as he was wearing sweat pants with the word “ARMY” spelled down one leg. Jim, who was returning from the gym, wears military-themed workout clothes to honor family members who serve.
After this initial meeting, the two would occasionally see each other, always stopping to have a friendly chat. Chris is always upbeat and cordial and ready to engage in a little banter, so getting to know him came very easy. One day, Jim and Chris, after seeing each other in the lobby, agreed to get some coffee. After grabbing cups of java, the two sat near the ferry terminal in the nearby park in downtown Manhattan and talked.
Forging A New Path
On occasion Jim would see Chris loading onto a ride share bus. One day, Jim seized the opportunity to ask where he had been going. Chris’ honesty and bluntness are traits Jim admires, so he appreciated it when Chris nonchalantly explained that he travels uptown to Mount Sinai Hospital for physical therapy (PT). Chris’ next comment stopped Jim in his tracks and revealed another character attribute of Chris that Jim respected and admired – Chris’ willingness and desire to help others.
Chris quickly and proudly explained how he mentored others in the Mount Sinai Spinal Cord Injury program. Jim was more than intrigued; he was inspired. Chris was a bonafide role model, in Jim’s mind.
Jim said to himself, “Here’s a young man faced with the results of a catastrophic injury who still desires to assist and help others in similar circumstances.”
Technology Epiphany
Listening to Chris speak with firsthand experience on the difficulties and challenges of adapting to his condition Jim realized just how uniquely qualified Chris would be in showing others how it’s done. Chris described a room where they meet for PT, support as well as learning how to navigate the same world from a different perspective. When Jim pressed further, Chris revealed it’s basically a community recreation room that fell short of resembling anything usable. At that moment Jim had his epiphany.
Jim is well known for his technology background. He has developed everything from advanced software to integrated systems and all technologies in between, including projects that utilized consumer electronics. Developing a plan to transform the recreation room at Mount Sinai was easy. Jim knew the perfect group of individuals who could help design, source, assemble and install the hardware to make this idea a reality – Team ACX, the best of the best in more ways than one.
The Mission is Born
The following day Jim called Steve Stark, a longtime friend who is also happens to be head of marketing at ACX. Jim shared his conversations with Chris and his vision. Steve was invited to be part of an informal visit the following week to meet Mount Sinai staff, evaluate the room, as well as explore the possibilities to see just how we could all make things just a little bit better. A recon mission of sorts.
With this intel, Jim asked his team to “hack” into current technology and give it a new, better purpose. By doing so, Team ACX redefined legacy technologies. It also changed the preconceived notion that “hacking” takes down society. It can also be done to lift it up. All in a day’s work.
What began as a casual conversation over coffee between two friends hanging out in a park has now morphed into an amazing journey of creativity, cooperation, ingenuity and most importantly, hope.
FOUNDATION MEMBERS
“Empathy compels one to action, sympathy entices one to retreat into self-absorption. We choose the former .”
Jim Virrilli, Founder
ACX Foundation was established by James Virrilli, a systems integration expert who is an active military consultant with various government and private agencies. An accomplished inventor, Jim holds product patents ranging from network communications and securities to audio/video technologies and more.
In his quest to make a difference, Jim has assembled a team of talented, professional and determined individuals. Each team member shares his vision of resolute action with the humble purpose of enriching the lives of others through team effort.